by Ann Patty
Kelly was pleased that Cliff was receptive and told him, “I see rescues that would benefit both people and animals alike. First, after an application process a person could go to a shelter and adopt an animal like a dog. My organization could give this person say a thousand dollars to do this. The money would cover all adoption fees, any vetting, food for a long while. In other words the fee given would relieve the adopter of any financial burden. Lots of folks would like a pet but don't have the extra funds. The adopter could chose to keep the pet or re-home them. If they chose to re-home them they would need to socialize the dog, get obedience training for it, and make it human and animal friendly. Once it was re-homed with satisfaction the adopter would be awarded another thousand dollars, or so.”
Cliff was studying Kelly's words carefully, then asked, “How would you control what the adopter might do? For that matter, an adopter might make a business of this proposition.”
“Yes, these are just my musings right now. There are many safeguards to mull over. The whole idea is to have an incentive for folks to rescue dogs. Money is the motivator of course, but someone that would like to do this and can't because of finances, this might be the perfect fit. And if an adopter wants to make a business out of re-homing, as long as they are monitored and the dogs and new homes are happy, why not?” Kelly reasoned.
“I get your plan, I'm just skeptical when it comes to human nature and money. Animals have been exploited too many times. You have obviously thought about this. I'm sure you'll have a tight plan by time you embark on it,” Cliff said without emotion. Then he asked, “So what are your other plans?”
Kelly said, “Another area is our aging population, both animals and human. I envision older animals being adopted by senior citizens. Animals give purpose and seniors, well anyone for that matter, can benefit from the routine and caring for another being. Many seniors live alone. I see starting partnerships with local vets and pet stores and shelters. All can contribute to the well being of animals by placing them with shut-ins. Somehow, and I'm not sure yet how, the expenses for the animals would be completely taken care of by the program so seniors would not have to worry when they are on their fixed income,” Kelly stopped talking to let Cliff give feed back.
“That is a great idea Kelly,” Cliff said with uplift in his voice. “Okay you said there was another piece to this rescue pie?”
“Yes, the last one would be to seek out gallant individuals who are fighting the battle alone. They are just doing their best to help, but don't have the funding. I'd like to help them out financially, to care for the animals they take in,” Kelly said.
“You have admirably huge aspirations. Quite an undertaking. Most of it requires a good deal of accountability for where the money goes and how it gets used. There are a lot of avenues to cover,” Cliff counseled Kelly. Then he asked the obvious, “After your money runs out, then what... or are you going to have other funding sources?”
“Yeah all that you say is true. It is mind-boggling. And it might be too much to take on all three missions. It will take more man-power than just me. Sometimes I think it might be just easier to open up a farm for rescues and let my corporate non-profit ideas fade away. I just don't know right yet.” Kelly bit her lip after she spoke. Cliff had echoed the logic she did not want to address. She was not upset because her business background knew one must have all the facts before taking a step. Kelly addressed Cliff's last question, “Yeah the money. Well, I only earn so much. I was figuring that through advertising the contributions of others would keep the rescue efforts going. And I also realize that to ask for money there needs to be an advertising campaign. Yup, on it goes and it is over my head. I might just be the conduit to put a group together, the visionary and motivator. I know I cannot do it all. Or I might just take my nest egg, keep it reinvested and share the profits in a methodical manner with organizations that are doing good already,” Kelly explained.
“No harm in having high aspirations. The world was built on ideas whose times had come. I believe when you are in a better position to start this animal endeavor you'll have a solid plan,” Cliff said in encouragement, then he said, “Never let your dreams die. They may reshape themselves over time, but keep them in your heart.”
The two sat for a while in silence. Kelly realized she had been babbling on about herself and her wants for a long time. She finally looked up from petting the dogs and asked, “Cliff, what is in your heart? What are your aspirations for the long haul?”
Cliff raised his eyebrows. He clasped his hands across his lap. His shoeless, but fully socked feet jiggled back and forth. He was on the spot. No one ever had asked him about his aspirations even though he had some longings. His voice dropped a bit, then Cliff said, “Someday I will sell this ranch. Hard to imagine, but I would like to have a place on the Oregon coast. Just maybe only twenty-acres that I can see from my porch. None of this trekking out to the back thirteen hundred and eighty six acres to mend another wire fence. I'd like to see all my stock from my front porch, which means I might only have my horses and a couple cows. The dogs of course.”
“Why the coast? I mean that is really a far cry from this farm spot isolated inland. Do you know someone there?” Kelly asked.
“No I don't, not anymore. As a young boy my parents sent me there. My grandparents had a cottage right on the ocean. Good memories. Good times. The fog rolling in the evening oddly comforted me. The light from the lighthouse seemed to guide me. As a young lad hiking the dunes its beam gave me direction. The ships bellowing their mournful horns across the horizon glued my imagination to their travels. I don't know, the oceans vast mystique draws me still. Funny, I'm not even a swimmer. Not one much for water sports either,” Cliff mused over his boyhood longings.
Kelly listened never realizing this dream could come out of the cowboy's heart. “Cliff, I just wonder. You've lived here most all your life, raising your kids here, could you really leave all this and go in search of your boyhood dream? I'm not saying your idea is good or bad. I'm just listening and thinking that this place versus the ocean are opposite extremes.”
“Oh I know—I hear what you say. Sometimes in a man's life you just want a change. I don't believe lifestyles have to be that different, just the climates. And god only knows this climate has its harsh moments. I sort of look at this dream as going home. You know you create your own universe wherever you go, so there is comfort in that. Like you, when the time is right, our dreams will happen,” Cliff told Kelly. Then he said, “I bet you are tired. Take the second room on the right. It's got a good sunrise view. I'm going to turn in. G'night Kelly. Sleep well,” Cliff added.
Kelly smiled at Cliff and nodded her head in agreement noting the time on the wall clock at just after midnight. The last hours dissolved into thin air. Time ceased to exist because someone special captivated Kelly's attention. Kelly fondly recalled that Cairn would reference this moment with the words: Building a relationship tie that knots.
Kelly sprung up off the couch and walked down the hall picking the bedroom on the right. It was sparsely decorated with a few horse posters, a full size and twin size bed with a flower bedspreads, a pink night stand with a blue light a top. There was an old wooden rocker in the corner and an amble chest of drawers. Kelly smiled to herself. Her one travel bag would barely fill the top dresser drawer. She disrobed and climbed into the bed wearing a tee shirt and undies. Just as she drifted off to sleep she heard the door creek open. No alarm because old places had their own way. Instead Kelly felt a weight on her bed, then two. Several minutes later a third body and the fourth lay on the floor where she might get up and step in the middle of the night. Kelly drifted off to sleep in the womb of her new litter.
Ridge Ride
Kelly woke up to the smell of coffee percolating and four dogs asleep around and on top of her warm body. She could move her head and one arm, but the rest of her was pinned underneath a summer quilt weighted with canines. Kelly murmured something softly to the dogs in turn
patting each one with her unrestrained hand. As if on cue and because her bedroom door was widely ajar, Cliff peered around the corner. He raised his eyebrows in amusement which wrinkled several deep lines in his forehead. Cliff snickered, gave a quick wave to come out, and vanished from the doorway.
The coffee beckoned Kelly. Hopping out of bed, she scattered the dogs. All disappeared but one, who stayed behind. Kelly dressed in jeans and a sleeveless top. Barefoot, she walked to the kitchen where she stubbed her big toe on the leg of a chair. She mouthed an 'ouch' to which no word came out, but when she bent forward a tad, Cliff came around to look. No blood was to be found, so he waved her off as unbroken, and went and sat down across the table from her.
Cliff motioned to Kelly to sit. She glanced down at a double size cup of java and a plate filled with scrambled eggs wallowing in onions, potatoes, ham, green peppers and smothered with cheddar cheese. Her mouth dropped slightly and she pulled out the chair and plunked herself down.
“Cliff, how kind of you,” Kelly acknowledged graciously. “I didn't know cowboys could cook so good, or is that well... jeez, my English was never perfect,” she said with a teasing smirk.
“You'd be surprised at what I can cook up,” Cliff challenged Kelly back.
“Oh yeah, like what?” Kelly begged for a tussle.
“Well, if I gave you all my secrets there would be nothing left to find out, now would there?” Cliff titillated back.
“Okay, I give,” Kelly said with a mouthful of omelet. And then the two sat in silence and ate breakfast. The kitchen mood turned somber and contemplative. Neither spoke of the obvious.
Finally, it was Cliff who broke the hush that had enveloped his house. “Kelly I don't mean to pry, but I’d like to ask of your plans,” Cliff looked down at his empty plate as he asked. Then he added, “You are certainly welcome to stay here as long as you need, or want to.”
Kelly looked at Cliff. Not only did she look at him, but stared right through him. She paused after she listened to his words, put her utensils down from her last bite and spoke. “Well, I've been thinking a lot Cliff. About what the right thing is to do for Cairn. I put her ashes in her car to drive her back, but it just does not seem fitting. She came to love this land. I know she didn't tell you as such, but she revealed how she saw beauty here in what she dubbed as 'the barren place'. And, she was enamored with her native friend who in earnest attempted to warn her from her passing spot. Cairn's best memory of here was the ridge you took her to. It took her breath away,” Kelly hesitated as if something stuck in her throat. It was her emotions. Composed again she asked, “Cliff do you suppose we could take her ashes and let them go in the wind above that canyon spot?” Kelly stopped talking and grew quiet as if the idea slipped out without much thought. However, she had given much consideration to the plan. Kelly was just not sure if it was an appropriate endeavor to ask Cliff to help with.
Cliff was sitting back in his chair, one arm stretched upon the table fingering his empty coffee cup. He soaked up every word Kelly had to say. Thoughtfully, gently he spoke. “Kelly, I think that is an excellent plan. I believe Cairn would like being left in a spot she last adored. When would you like to do this? Not to rush you, but I'm off today through Monday, so whenever is just fine.”
“Really?” Kelly was surprised, then not so.
“Really,” Cliff echoed.
“This morning is beautiful. How does that sound?” Kelly asked.
“Perfect. I'll go get the horses ready, while you get some boots on,” Cliff got up with a plate in hand and winked with a nod. Then Cliff peered around the corner of the table to look at Kelly's toe and again threw in a nod of approval.
Kelly handed her plate to Cliff, finished her coffee and took the cup to the sink. She smiled and held up a finger indicating she'd be a minute. Walking toward her bedroom a parade of four dogs trailed behind. Kelly mused at the way she and Cliff could almost talk without words, only gestures, and understand the other explicitly. It was nice. She savored how Cliff constantly nodded in approval or acknowledgment. She relished that reassurance, more like she craved it because being with this temporary man of Cairn's, Kelly needed to know her place was validated in both their lives.
Cliff cinched up the dark, almost black, bay gelding and put down the stirrup. His red dun stud was already to go and was standing resting one hind foot in waiting. Cliff sized up Kelly as she came down the steps. Her long hair had been pulled back and braided. He never could figure out how girls could put in a nice neat braid behind their heads. Faded blue jeans appeared well worn and her light pink summer top fit her revealing curves. Kelly wore sneakers, not boots. She walked right up to the dark bay gelding, stroked his nose, then ran her hand down his neck. Cliff stood back in awe. Here was a horse-woman. He could tell just by the way she approached DB. He could see it in her confidence. The way Kelly took command. It was a simple gesture really to stroke the forehead and neck of a horse. By the trained eye Kelly's body language spoke volumes.
Cliff looked down and pointed, “Do you need some boots? I have extras.”
“No. I'm fine, thanks. Sounds silly, but I've always ridden in just running shoes,” Kelly quipped.
“Okay then,” Cliff did his nod this time a bit sideways as if to say we'll see, then asked, “Do you want me to check your stirrup length?”
“Oh, thank you, I can do it,” Kelly proceeded to check her hand to armpit stirrup length from the ground. She shrugged her shoulders saying, “Good enough.”
Cliff stood back folding his arms across his chest, echoing the same thought in his head there's a horse-woman, even though she wears sneakers.
Kelly ran her hand over the equipment, checking the fit of the saddle and bridle. The dogs milled around the barn. “Cliff, can the dogs go with us?”
“Yeah sure. They can decide. Two might stay and two might go. They've been on a ranch working this summer so if they want to stay—or go, its fine,” Cliff then brought up what he considered a sensitive subject. “Say, how are you going to carry Cairn's ashes?”
“Yeah, I've been thinking about that one too,” Kelly stood close to Cliff patting the dark bay's butt. You have some saddle-bags don't you? I wish we could carry her another way, besides tucked inside of a leather pouch. I'll be right back. Let me go get her ashes.” And Kelly disappeared from the barn. When she came back Kelly carried a cardboard box in one arm and a backpack slung over her shoulders. Cliff had retrieved some well-worn, cracked leather bags that had seen better days.
Cliff, seeing Kelly return, tossed the saddle bags aside on a hay bale. “Now that backpack seems to be a better solution. Do you want me to carry it?” Cliff offered.
Kelly put the backpack down and the box beside it. “I believe I'll be okay. Those ashes are not lightweight, but it is only a one-way trip,” Kelly opened the box. The box would be cumbersome to carry. Inside the ashes were sealed in a heavy weight plastic pouch. Kelly reached it and pulled out her friend's remains. She held it up to inspect it. Emotionless, she placed the pouch inside of Cairn's backpack and zippered it up tight. “There my friend. This is the last ride your rested body gets.” Then Kelly turned to Cliff and said, “Kind of silly isn't it. Cairn is in spirit form, not in these ashes. But I know she is here waiting for us to rest what's left. I can feel her.”
Cliff characteristically tilted his head when he nodded his approval, or in agreement. When questioning, he simply cocked and extended his head a bit. His anticipation appeared as if his hearing was off. “Are you ready?” Cliff asked Kelly. She nodded back and mouthed the word “Yes.”
The two left the barn house far behind, as they rode up the trail between the hills. Mattie and Paddy trotted after the horses. Vomit and Freckles stayed behind at the ranch, just as Cliff predicted. Kelly was strapped with Cairn's orange and black backpack bulging with her ashes. She sat high atop the dark bay, riding in front while Cliff followed up on his red dun. No words passed either of their lips. Nothing seemed fitting to say, just
reflection for what had been.
Kelly was really happy that Cliff enabled her to rest Cairn in this manner. Otherwise her ashes would go back to the city and need to be put in some sterile morgue. As it was, Kelly had to face going back and dispersing Cairn's estate. Over the years, Kelly prodded Cairn to get a pet, thank goodness, she never had. One less thing to worry about. The fact of the matter is, Kelly would have adopted it. There were all Cairn's possessions to sell along with her town home. The sales proceeds from Cairn's furnishing were to go to a charity, but Kelly could not remember which one. Then there were bills to close out and what ever debts to settle up. Right now, it all seemed daunting. Kelly recollected that she was the sole heir to Cairn's estate. However she had no ideas what it would amount to and didn't really care. Kelly just knew she had to do right by her wonderful earth time friend. And so she would.
