The Alpo Queen

This piece was inspired by the uneasy circumstances a close friend of ours has been contending with for far too long - she's a great gal, and we hope things work out for her soon - An old arthritic St. Bernard and a traumatized French Poodle, who’d lived together many years, were waiting to be saved, When someone who’d been - through a lot - meandered past their cages, in search of what, for quite some time, she too, as well, had craved: The sort of reciprocity that makes our lives worth living…the entirely unconditional devotion of a friend. She understood that all the genuine loves throughout our lives are easily worth the devastating sorrow - when they end. But……being, understandably, afraid to make commitments - choosing not to let herself grow close to someone new - She - who’d lost her share of dear ones - now’d become convinced that sharing love with wounded pets the safer thing to do! And so…the “Alpo Queen” informed the gal who ran the rescue, “I’d like to take the St. Bernard and Poodle off your hands.” Sensing how distraught she seemed - and given whom she’d chosen - and after making sure she knew what - “rescuing pets” demands, The manager...conditionally...agreed to let them go. “I’d never split them up,” she said, “they came in just like that, And, hopefully, you understand their need to stay together, otherwise, I guarantee…they’re better off where they’re at. “He’s a bit arthritic - and, at times, she’s kinda moody, but, all in all, they’re both as great as real close friends can get. The big ol’ St. Bernard’s named Mark, the Poodle’s name is Connie, and each will work to earn your love, and make a super pet.” Searching "Mark Stellinga Poetry" - on ebay - offers 4 new - 4 1/2 hr. long, audio-cds, and my CDs and 26 books are all available at - writerofbooks.com