Max and the Con Ed Man
One morning many winters ago, Peter, Max, and I went for our usual walk. We got into the car and headed to the lake, with a stop at the bakery along the way. We ordered our usual coffee and the sticky buns they were well known for. We then headed towards our lake. We stayed in the car as we had our little breakfast. Of course, Max gave a little whine if we did not share fast enough.
It was around Christmas time, so things were slow at work. People were concentrating more on ‘peace on earth goodwill towards men’ and not as much on legal matters. All the offices were holding Christmas parties and get-togethers. That was good for me and Max, for Peter did not have to rush to court. We meandered around the lake as the snow drifted lazily to the ground.
Peter and I walked arm in arm, and Max sniffed every bush, chased every goose and duck hoping to catch one. He barked up trees to at least greet just one squirrel, but no luck! We walked around the lake four times before Peter gently prodded us towards the car. The morning was so magical. Everything was shimmering in that winter wonderland. It was the kind of morning that remains encapsulated in one’s memory forever and a day.
When we got home, I put on some Christmas music on the CD player. Peter went upstairs to get ready for work. I fed Max. “Ave Maria” poured out of the CD player. Each year, I would sing along with it until I got it pitch-perfect. When I finally did, Peter would say, “You did it Stella. You did it!” I would smile with pride knowing that I really did!
As Peter left for work, I curled up comfortably on the love seat in the living room with a book. In a while, I would have to get up and do my chores, but for the time being, I wanted to relax.
The back doorbell rang. I could not imagine who it could be. I walked towards the door. Max followed me and started growling. “Who is it?” I asked. ‘Con Ed.’ came the reply. Max growled even more. I was puzzled. That was not at all like him. I decided to leash him. Holding tightly onto his leash, I opened the door. A new Con Ed man was at the door. He flashed his badge at me and in an unfriendly voice he said, “Lock him up!” Max could hardly be controlled. He bared his teeth ferociously, and his growl became even deeper. I was quite uneasy at his gruff behavior. Max hardly ever behaves that way. I trusted him. ”No,” I said. ”Lock him up, I say!” He repeated. Once more I said, “No, he is leashed. He won’t harm you.” In an angry tone of voice, he said, “I am going to have to report you!” ”Well then report me!” I then firmly closed the door and went back to reading my book. “What a strange man,” I thought.
Half an hour later, the doorbell rang again. Again, I got up and went to the back door. Max followed calmly behind me. “Who is it?” ‘Con Ed.’ I opened the door. It was our usual man who came each month. Max went up to him and wagged his tail. The Con Ed man patted him on the head. “I guess the other Con Ed man is afraid of dogs?” I said. ‘What other Con Ed man? I am the only one!’ came the answer. My knees grew weak as it dawned on me what a close call I had!
Later when I told Peter what happened, he said that he had read that there was a robber impersonating Con Ed men. If the woman was alone in the house, he would push through, tie, and gag her and throw her in a closet. He would then proceed to rob the house. My knees went weak. How lucky I was to have Max to protect me! I leaned down and gave him the greatest hug. Peter said gruffly, “Pup, you just earned your keep!” Later that day we took him out to the pet store and bought him lots of treats. He was indeed worth his weight in gold, our Max was!