And the dog stayed. They always came together. He always held the leash. But when they carried him away on the stretcher… he let go. The poor dog didn’t know where to go. So he stayed. Waiting.”

I felt something tear inside me. Richie stayed. Alone. No commands, no explanation. But he didn’t leave. He sat there, at the last place he saw the one who was his whole world.

How much time had passed? How many customers had walked by without noticing? And he kept waiting.

I offered the manager to take the dog home with me until the owner returns and left my address and phone number.

If only everyone in the world were as loyal as this dog.