him first. But then you'll get around to loving me, because that's what
I'm going to be-a dog, just a smiling old dog, padding around the
-place, hanging on, impervious to insult, an old dog - " ted.
Scott had stopped struggling. He was probably just exhausted Sam was
sure that he had not really gotten through the boy's rage. Hadn't more
than scratched the surface. Sam had let an off into their lives, the
evil of self-indulgent despair, which he %admitted to the boy, and now
rooting it out would be a hard job. They had a long way to go, months
of struggle, maybe even, years, lots of hugging, lots of holding on
tight and not letting go.
Looking over Scott's shoulder, he saw that Tessa and Chrissie had
stepped into the room. They were crying too. In their eyes he saw an
awareness that matched his, a recognition that the battle for Scott had
only begun.
But it had begun. That was the wonderful thing. It had begun.
A NOTE TO MY READERS Moose, the Labrador who so ably serves Harry Talbot
in Midnight, is based upon actual service dogs trained by Canine
companions for Independence, a non-profit organization that provides
these big furry assistants at nominal cost to those who need them. All
dogs give us love and loyalty, but these splendid animals give even more
than usual; they literally transform the lives of the disabled people
with whom they are paired, serving as their arms of legs or eyes or
ears, and allowing them to venture into the world with confidence. The
bond that exists between these service dogs and their masters is
inspiring, ennobling, and deeply moving to anyone who loves humanity or
dogs-or both. If you set aside part of your income for charity, I urge
you to consider donation to Canine Companions for Independence 4350
Occidental Road P.O. Box 446 Santa Rosa, California 95402-0446 This a
rare opportunity to make a real difference in the world.
Dean Koontz - (1989) Page 62