The Pawshank Redemption

By Phil Long

One bleak night, Sparky, a shepherd/beagle-mix puppy and his five siblings are dropped by their mother at Pawshank, Kalamazoo's leading animal shelter. One-by-one, the pups are adopted until only Sparky remains. Because his "cell" is too large for just one dog, Sparky is transferred to "Gen Pup" where he befriends Thor, a long-term inmate who gu

• Language: English
• Publisher: Palmetto Publishing
• Release date: Dec 13, 2022
• ISBN: 9798822911260

Phil Long

Long spent thirty years as a copywriter for corporations and advertising agencies. Now, he enjoys writing blogs (howabout-that.com), hanging with the grandchildren, and checking "Write a book" off his bucket list.Long and his wife, Betsy, have owned dogs throughout their marriage, and feel The Pawshank Redemption captures the thoughts and emotions experienced by most citizens of the canine world.

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PROLOGUE

S

parky was born on Saturday, September 12, 2000, the third of six, to a single Mom in the have-nots’ section of Kalamazoo, Michigan. Sparky’s Mom meant well but being poor—along with having a very mixed ancestry and no idea who the father might be—limited her access to health care and the means to provide for her little ones.

So, having cared for them as best she could, she was forced to leave them on the steps of the community’s leading homeless shelter. Brushing away a tear, she gave each one a parting meal, good-bye nuzzle and prayed they would have happy, healthy lives.

With that, she pressed her tired paw against the doorbell and ran off into the lonely night.

1

"T

hese pups are adorable! came an unfamiliar voice. I’m thinking we’ll find good homes for them in no time."

What in the world? Sparky thought as he awoke, still cuddled with his brother and sisters and having no idea where he was or who these humans were hovering over them.

I can’t tell what breed they are, but I’m guessing mostly beagle, part shepherd, and who knows what else. But I agree, they are cuties.

Looking at his siblings, Sparky pondered the word cuties. Certainly, they were not unattractive, but he had never given their appearance any thought. They all had the same brown face, black muzzle, and floppy ears, and to varying degrees, each one had a black back and tail matched with a white chest and legs. He had seen a fair number of dogs on the street he felt were better looking, but if being a cutie was a good thing, then he would take it.

Suddenly, Sparky’s older sister, Tiffy, was picked up by the lady human, held nose to nose, and then placed back in their box.

Let’s give them their shots and a bath, said the male human, so they’ll be ready to go when people start coming through tomorrow.

Sounds good, responded the female human. I’ll go warm up the water. And with that, the two left the room and closed the door.

Do you have any idea where we are? Tiffy asked. As the eldest, Tiffy often felt responsible for looking after the younger ones, and while she did not always get the respect she felt was her due, Tiffy enjoyed playing the role of matriarch.

No idea, replied Cuffy, the next to youngest, as she looked around the cluttered room. But I sure wish Mom was here.

Yeah, me too, said Buttons, the youngest. She could tell us why we’re here and what’s going to happen. I miss her so much.

Well, we’ve only been here a few hours, Tiffy assured them. Maybe she’s in another room and will be back to get us shortly.

Yeah, Tiffy, responded Spike, the second born and oldest male. I’ll bet that’s exactly where she is. And right after she comes back, these humans are gonna take us all out for ice cream. Hey! Tiffy! Take a look around. We’re screwed.

Spike! Tiffy shouted. What in the world is wrong with you? Can’t you see the little ones are scared and want to go home?

Home? Spike said. Oh, yes. Yes, of course. Home. That midnight-blue dumpster we lived behind for the first six weeks of our lives. Yes, you’re right. That was a special time. C’mon! Wake up! Even the rats were asking for their deposit back.

Spike, listen to me, Tiffy said, this place is much cleaner, warmer, and brighter than the dumpster, so at least I feel safe. And it wouldn’t hurt you to be more positive.

More positive? Spike replied. "Sure, I can do that: Hey, guys! Listen up! I am positive we’re screwed. How’s that? Everyone feel better?"

OK, that’s enough, Sparky interjected. Let’s just take a deep breath and try to relax. You heard the man say we’re getting our shots and a bath. That’s got to be important stuff.

What’s a shot? cried Lexy, the fourth pup. Do they hurt?

You better believe they hurt, Spike assured her. I remember one time on that TV show where all the human women wear orange jump suits and live in cages? Well, one time one of ’em got stuck with a shiv and needed a tetanus shot. Nurse came up behind her with a needle that looked like a railroad spike and shoved it about ten inches deep into her ass. Woman let out a scream… still haunts me.

Honestly, Spike, Tiffy sighed. Where do you get these stories?

Stories?! Spike exclaimed. Oh, Tiffy… oh, dear, dear, Tiffy. These are not stories. These are facts. You remember how every day Mom would go off looking for food and leave us to rest and grow?

Yeah.

Well, Spike continued, while all of you were sleeping, I’d climb on top of the dumpster and watch television through the window of some human’s house. Usually, it was this show about women in prison. And let me tell you, they did some nasty stuff to each other.

Spike, Sparky said, trying to reason with him, this is not a prison. A prison has cells, bars, guards, guns. Do you see any of those things?

Oh, I’m sorry, Spike said, Are you referring to this wire box we’re stuck in as something other than a cell? Because that’s what I call it. And having these cells all in a row behind locked doors, sure says ‘prison’ to me.

I’m so scared! Cuffy wailed. I don’t wanna stay here anymore!

And with that, Cuffy, Lexy, and Buttons began hugging each other and wailing at the top of their lungs. Tiffy tried desperately to calm the pups while Sparky pulled Spike aside to settle him down.

Spike, please, Sparky said. "As the only two males in the litter, you and I are responsible for figuring out this situation and protecting the girls. They need us to be strong, to be uplifting. They do not need us describing episodes of Orange is the New Black."

Hey, wait a minute! Spike exclaimed. "That’s the show I watch. How do you know about it?"

Because after sleeping all day, I wasn’t tired at night. So, I watched television through that same window. I swear, those humans are obsessed with that show.

Well, then, Spike reasoned, don’t make me out to be the evil one here. You know exactly where we are and what’s coming next: locked down in cells, very little outside play time, paper shower shoes, work detail, harassment by guards, gang bangs…

Spike! Sparky yelled. "Stop, already! Those are humans on that show. Not dogs. We have not done anything wrong. The humans are here to take care of us because Mom can’t. Actually, we’re lucky to be in this shelter."

Oh, Sparky… Sparky, Sparky, Sparky. You poor, naive, delusional pup in the woods, Spike said, shaking his head. Don’t you get it? Seriously? Remember when you and I would sneak to the end of the alley and just human-watch? And remember how the people had dogs on leashes, in cars, or carried around like a baby? Some even in a stroller! Those are the haves, Sparky. The dogs that hit the hydrant lotto. They don’t have a care in the world. For them, life is just one big tummy-rubbing, treat-binging, water-slurping, toenail-trimming, lap-sitting stroll through a pampered existence. While we… we, my dear brother, are the newest members of the have-nots’ litter of life. I mean, Mom, bless her heart, wanted only the best for us. But, Sparky, she got rear-ended during a moment of vulnerability. It’s not her fault. It’s just dog nature.

And with that, Sparky quietly lowered his head and admitted to himself Spike was right. They were in a prison, and all those things Spike described were about to happen to them. Sparky also knew Mom loved them and would never have dropped them off here if she had been able to protect and feed them, but… well… that just was not meant to be.

And I’ll tell you somethin’ else, Spike went on, pointing a paw at Sparky. I’d really like to know where Dad is in all this. Yeah, that’s right. Shithead wanders the street till he finds a poor soul like Mom who has physical needs—you know, like any female in heat—and then takes advantage of her and runs off. I don’t know if Mom even looked around to see his face. But I’ll tell you this, if there’s a dog catcher for hell, I hope he snags that worthless mongrel and sends him down.

All right, Sparky sighed. Whatever is going to happen is going to happen soon. In the meantime, let’s just stay as upbeat as we can and help the little ones as much as possible. You good with that?

Yeah, sure, said Spike. I mean, Sparky, of course I will. I don’t want anything bad to happen to any of us, and I’ll do everything I can to keep us safe. I promise.

2

"O

K, folks, the dogs are down these aisles, and the cats, three aisles over. We appreciate you being here and hope you find the perfect companion to take home."

This was the standard greeting given to visitors of the Pawshank Animal Rescue, Kalamazoo’s largest rescue facility for lost, abandoned, and unwanted dogs and cats.

Oh, boy, thought Sparky as he yawned and stretched away another uncomfortable night in cellblock C. Two more starry-eyed losers who think they’re gonna find true happiness with a kicked-to-the-curb, sad-eyed, please-take-me-home domestic animal. How many times have I been through this dance? A hundred? A thousand?

And yet, the whole place was in a frenzy. At least a dozen mixed-breed newbies would be in cellblock A—where he and his siblings had been kept when they had first gotten there—bouncing around, barking, spinning in a circle, and trying every trick they knew to draw the attention of these shuffling humans. If it were not so sad, it would almost be funny.

Sparky knew he had become cynical. Three weeks ago, they had moved him to cellblock C, and the feeling of despair was only growing stronger as time rolled by. What was it now, two months since he had awakened in a green tub with his brother and four sisters, all jammed together, wondering where Mom was and why they could not understand their new surroundings? Well, it had been two months for him, anyway. Cuffy had been taken away the first day they were there.

Two Months Earlier

Just after 9 a.m., a female human and her chunky kid came strolling through cellblock A all excited to see the animals and stopped right at their cage.

I want that one! the kid screamed, pointing at all of them. That one with the fuzzy nose!

Fuzzy nose? Spike said. Ya witless moron. We’ve all got fuzzy noses.

That one, Mama! the kid kept yelling while pointing.

Finally, one of the guards came in to see what all the excitement was about. Can I help you? he asked.

Yes, said the female, we’d like to look at that one, indicating Cuffy.

You have a good eye, young fella, said the guard. These pups just came in yesterday, and they’re very healthy. He had then scooped up Cuffy and placed her in the kid’s outstretched hands.

Oh, Mom! he yelled, squirming around like he was going to wet his pants, if he hadn’t already. I want this one! I want this one! Please, Mom! Please! Can I have this one?

Well,…, said the woman. She is awfully cute. She then turned to the guard. What do you think? Like he gave a shit.

Oh, she’s a beauty, ma’am, he assured her. And they’ve all had their shots and are ready to be taken home.

Please, Mom! Please! continued the little fat ass. I promise I’ll take real good care of her! Please! Please!

Well, said the mom, kind of plump in her own right, we did come here to get a puppy, so if she’s the one you want, then I guess it’s OK with me.

Oh, thanks, Mom! Thanks so much, the kid squealed, jiggling like he’d been tased in the nuts.

With that, the three humans—and Cuffy—walked down the aisle and out the door, never to be seen again.

What just happened? asked Buttons, sniffling. Why are they taking Cuffy, and when will she be back?

The four oldest pups stood quietly, not able to look at each other. Instead, they stared down at Buttons.

I’m afraid Cuffy is not coming back, said Tiffy. That woman and little boy are going to take her home to live with them. We should all be happy for Cuffy.

But what about us? Buttons cried. Why can’t we go with her? I want us all to be together.

I’m afraid it doesn’t work that way, said Tiffy, using a paw to wipe away the tears building in Buttons’ eyes. In a few days, we may all be on our way to a new home.

That’s right, Spike added. We’re what are called ‘orphans,’ meaning we don’t have a mommy and daddy anymore. So, the compassionate humans who work here try to find nice homes where we can be properly battered, abused, and neglected.

But we have a mommy, said Lexy, adding to the drama. She brought us here yesterday. She will be back to get us. Won’t she?

Lexy, asked Spike, "are you familiar with the expression when monkeys fly out my ass?"

Spike! yelled Tiffy. For the love of… Why do you have to be such a jerk all the time?

Jerk? repeated Spike. OK, sure, I’ll be the jerk. And why is that? Because I won’t continue shielding them from the truth? The truth that, one at a time, we’re all going to be carried out of here, no matter what we want, Mom wants, or anybody else wants? Well, then, there it is, the painful truth. We are orphans. And orphans are not exactly in control of what happens to them. You know it as well as I do. So, don’t put the ‘hard-ass’ handle on me. I don’t like it one bit, either, but wishing ain’t gonna make it any different.

I’m afraid he’s right, little ones, Tiffy said, trying to comfort them. Cuffy left first, but any one of us could be next. And maybe a home with a big yard, nice humans, and love is waiting for each of us. At least that’s what I want more than anything else.

Five hours later, Buttons was being cuddled and carried off by a twenty-something girl who had I love puppies but have no idea how much work they are written all over her. Spike was willing to bet Buttons was headed for a tiny apartment with mismatched furniture, a big, square bed for Buttons to sleep on, a brand-new sack full of food, brushes, treats, a water bowl, and all the other crap humans’ thought were must-haves for their new best friends.

In reality, Spike thought, the woman will probably give Buttons big hugs and kisses, walks in the park, and a basketful of toys and chew sticks. But just wait till the first-time poor Buttons lays a steamer on her clean dress or chews the heel off her favorite shoe or barks just when mom is doing the freak nasty with the loser upstairs. Then we’ll see where the ole chew stick gets wedged. The truth of this whole situation was starting to bother Spike more than he had imagined. Anyway, Buttons and the bimbo were now dancing down the same aisle and disappearing through the same door that had swallowed Cuffy just a few hours earlier.

You, OK? someone whispered as a paw was placed gently on Spike’s shoulder.

What? Oh, hey, Tiffy. Yeah, sure. I’m fine. How are you doing?

It’s hard, said Tiffy. "To be honest, I don’t know. Maybe I was just naive about our being left at this place. Sort of in denial. But now… with Cuffy and Buttons gone, I am really starting to wonder how long it will be ‘til none of us are left and where we will all end up. And not to be selfish, Spike, but I’m afraid. It’s so hard to picture who is going to decide I’m the one they want. Do you ever wonder that?"

Yeah, Spike admitted. I guess I have wondered what sort of pervert will take a liking to me. But seriously, it’s just not worth hoping we’ll be adopted by loving, normal humans that only want a fun, happy companion to spend their lives with. Dreams just don’t come true, Tiffy. I mean, in stories or movies, but in real life? From prison to prosperity? Just seems a little too unlikely to work up a chubby over.

Very insightful, Tiffy responded. I feel much better now.

Following this early onslaught of would-be owners, activity settled down to a crawl. Oh, people continued to come through, but they all ended up to be just looking. Something to do for an afternoon. And despite having only three days under their belt, the four remaining pups were getting a feel for which humans were serious and which were simply canine kickers.

Finally, the weekend arrived, and after a hectic Saturday morning, Tiffy, Spike, Sparky, and Lexy settled in for a day and a half of relaxation. Being on call ten hours a day had taken a toll on their stamina and their ability to be cute and lively on demand. Humans just assumed tail-wagging was something dogs did instinctively and that it required no effort at all. In truth, tails were heavy, and the need to just drop everything and shake it from side-to-side was hard on your lower back. Oh, sure, they did it because it was part of the ritual. But by nighttime, they were ready to lie down and give their spines a rest.

At this point, the four pups were still in the same cage—or cell as Spike continued to call it—and were able to comfort and encourage one another about what lay ahead. Sometimes, they would discuss the sudden departure of their two sisters and speculate as to where they might be.

I hope they’re both getting tons of loving attention from their new humans, Tiffy sighed, and are out in the sunshine running, playing, and making lots of friends.

Oh, Tiffy, said Lexy, I hope the exact same thing. That they’re happy to be in a new home with humans who really care for them.

I couldn’t agree more, Sparky said. The female human and her little boy looked so excited to be with Cuffy, and the young female human couldn’t stop smiling at Buttons. The six of us may have had a rough start in life, but I’ll bet those two are happy now.

Boy, that sure would be nice, Spike responded, but to be honest, I’m picturing Cuffy out by the garage, dragging a chain around, because the bubbly little fat ass kept screaming, ‘Mommy! Mommy! Hortense keeps biting me, and her teeth are so sharp! Owie! Mommy, Owie!’ And Buttons is looking down at her bright-pink paw nails wondering, ‘What the hell?’ Course, I could be completely wrong about all that.

Spike! they all declared in unison. Hortense?

Well, yeah, Spike answered. "Humans come up with some crazy-ass names, you know. Sparky, you remember Dayanara Diaz and Tasha ‘Tastee’ Jefferson on Orange is the New Black? Tell me those names are gonna catch on anytime soon."

OK, c’mon, Tiffy said, staring straight at Spike. Let’s try to keep good thoughts about Cuffy and Buttons and be optimistic about our own futures. Can we do that, please?

Yeah, sure. They all nodded. We can do that.

Good. Now let’s get some sleep before Monday arrives and we’re busy again.

3

B

y 9:15 Monday morning, all those humans who had spent the weekend discussing the pros and cons of pet ownership were assembling in the prison lobby, awaiting the go-ahead from guards to view the inmates. For Tiffy, Spike, Sparky, and Lexy, it had been a quiet weekend physically. But emotionally? Emotionally they were exhausted, knowing further family divisions were only a matter of time.

Oh, Tom, came a soothing voice. Look, at that little face. Could she be any cuter?

I have to agree, Sugar Bunny, responded the male human, who could only be Tom. She—or he—is adorable. But truly, aren’t they all?

Oh, I know, said the woman, but this little one just seems to be looking right into my heart. Can’t you just feel the love pouring out of her? Can we hold her?

Of course, we can, Angel Face, Tom assured her, And if you feel a special bond with this one, then that’s the one we should adopt.

Hovering near by, awaiting permission from the couple, was the on-duty guard.

Yes, ma’am, he said, hurrying over at her signal. How can I help you?

We’d like to hold that one, she said, pointing straight at Tiffy. I just know she’s the one for us.

Of course. The guard gently removed Tiffy and took a quick peek at her privates. Smiling, he declared, This is a female. Is that what you’re looking for?

Oh, we don’t really care, she said, nuzzling with Tiffy. We just want to welcome a wonderful new member to our family.

Well, I’ll be honest with you, replied the guard, females are a lot easier to train and usually have a more loving spirit.

Oh, Tom, this is the one, the female human gushed. I know she was put here just so we could adopt her and take her home with us.

I believe you’re right, Love Muffin. Let’s take her home with us right now.

And just like that, Tiffy was wrapped tightly in the female human’s arms and carried through the now infamous door marked exit. In short order, this scratched, off-white door with the small, wire-enforced window had come to represent everything evil about the place. When it opened, the dogs were frightened, and when it closed, they fell into despair and loneliness.

For several minutes, Lexy, Spike, and Sparky simply stared at the door, none of them able to utter a word. Finally, little Lexy, sniffling quietly, walked to the back of the cage to lie down.

Spike, shivering as if feeling a chill, burst out, Easier to train, and usually have a more loving spirit!? Hey, guard, how about I use my male loving spirit and train you to kiss my ass? Huh? What about that loving spirit? Oh, and hey, what names are you gonna put on the adoption papers? Tom and Angel Face, Sugar Bunny, or Love Muffin? Kinda crap is that? Did I not just tell you guys? Humans like to