She staggered a little as someone shoved past her at the door. Her big
brown eyes looked sad yet hopeful as she watched the people entering and
exiting the store. It had been awhile since she had eaten and she wished
fervently that someone would give her something. She knew her blond hair
was matted and she didn’t look very nice but living on the street didn’t allow
for good hygiene. People continued to pass by her, shoving and cursing in
Spanish.
Just as she was thinking she should move away, a gringo came out the
door. He had a large pastry that he nibbled on as he walked. Looking
around, he saw a bench nearby and walked over to sit and eat his pastry.
She followed him over and stared longingly at his food. The gringo stared
back then slowly tore off a piece and offered it to her. Dipping her head in
thanks, she grabbed it and swallowed it down, nearly choking in her hurry.
She looked back at the gringo with hopeful eyes. He reached out to touch
her and she flinched, afraid he was going to hit her.
“It’s OK little one, I won’t hurt you. Here.” He gave her the rest of
the pastry. She ate it quickly and returned to his side as he rose to leave. He
saw the sadness and the desperation and paused. After a few moments
thought, he opened his truck door and invited her to get in. She hesitated but
when she looked at him she felt no fear and knew he had a kind heart.
Awkwardly she climbed into the truck and sat on the far side.
He drove to the hacienda where he was staying with other family and
friends. “I couldn’t leave her there,” he explained. “She’s hungry and just
needs some help.” One of the women took her to bathe and untangle her
hair. She relaxed then as she was given more substantial food.
Over the next few days she was treated well. The gringo bought her a
necklace and continued to feed her as he tried to determine how she had
come to this state of homelessness. She wanted to stay with him and hardly
left his side as they walked the beach and explored the town. As time passed
and he didn’t kick her out, she began to believe. She couldn’t understand his
English as he and the family discussed what to do about her. No one had
ever been this kind and she did everything she could think of to make him
want to keep her.
As time to return to the US approached, he made a decision. He took
her to a local doctor for a checkup and to get advice. She didn’t know how
old she was and had no one. I was discovered that no one in the area knew
her or where she had come from beyond her life on the streets. No one
wanted to take responsibility for her. It appeared she was an orphan with no
known family. The doctor filled out some paper work and gave her a couple
of vaccinations. They hoped the paperwork would be sufficient and they
would not have to smuggle her across the water.
Finally it was time to make the crossing. They all approached to gate
and showed their documents. Although the guards looked at her strangely,
no effort was made to detain her. They crossed safely.
Back in the USA, the gringo let out a grateful sigh. His little Mexican
Dolly was safe on US soil. Everyone laughed and congratulated the man.
Dolly pranced around and gave the man a kiss on his cheek Her blond hair
gleamed and her brown eyes danced as she barked with pure joy. The man’s
little Mexican Dolly was part Chihuahua. She had found her forever home.
Ruby Bonham
8-9-2025
