It was one of the worst things that ever happened to me. Really, I’ve been through things in my doggy life, but I remember this one as if it were yesterday. I, a little girl, barely a year old, with my energy overflowing, did not know that that day would change my way of seeing the world. The day I lost my way…
We had returned from the most wonderful place I can remember: Mas Torrencito. There, my masters let me off the leash as soon as I arrived, and I immediately felt freedom like a fresh breath on my muzzle. I ran, played and explored for three days without limit. Mastitwo, that mastiff with a giant big head and different colored eyes, became my best companion. As big as he was, he always let himself win in prank fights. Although, well, not everything was perfect: he ate my food a couple of times, and that didn’t make me very happy. But how could you get mad at someone so noble?
When Sunday came and we returned to the city, I slept the whole trip. My dreams were filled with open fields, streams and the smell of wet grass. But when we got home, reality returned: the little bed, the schedules and, of course, the leash.
Routine interrupted
Monday morning, my master woke me up with a classic, «Baby, go for a walk and a pee-pee.» I didn’t want to move, still feeling stiff from all the running and jumping over the weekend. But in the end, I got up, stretched and followed him, resigned to the city routine. We walked down the stairs, took our walk around the block and, as always, ended up in the park.
Arriving at the pipicán, there were my usual friends: Rulo, a little furball who always has energy to spare; Fido, a calm but competitive Labrador; and Luna, a husky with a wild spirit. We played, ran and competed for the best sticks. Until, suddenly, Rulo started running like crazy. And I, without thinking twice, went after him.
I followed him through the streets, zigzagging between people and street lamps. But Rulo was fast, and just when I thought I had caught up with him, he disappeared around a corner. Without realizing it, I moved farther and farther away. The noise of the cars scared me, the lights blinded me, and when I realized I didn’t recognize anything, a shiver ran through my body. And to top it all off, it started to rain.
The rain of fear. The day I lost my way…
The rain was coming down hard, soaking me up to my paws. I tried to follow my own trail, but the water washed away any clues. The streets looked like giants, cars roared past and people paid no attention to me. For the first time, I felt what it was like to be completely alone.
I took shelter under a bench, trembling. At that moment, the roar of thunder made me let out a little bark of fear. But then, I heard another bark, this time low and authoritative. I pricked up my ears and saw, across the street, a perfectly spotted Dalmatian staring at me. He walked toward me, with a calmness that contrasted with the storm.
-Are you lost? -he asked in a serious voice.
-Yes… I don’t know how to go home,» I said, trying not to cry.
The Dalmatian, who I later learned was named Tiza, sat next to me. He was a stray dog, but he had a dignity that commanded respect.
-Don’t worry, little one. We’ll find our way. But first you need to dry off a bit. Come with me.
The secret lair
Tiza led me through alleys to a place that looked like his shelter. There, under an old roof, there were other dogs. A skinny, sleek greyhound named Rayo and an energetic dachshund named Nina. They too were strays, but they seemed to form a small family.
-Poor thing, she’s soaking wet,» said Nina as she approached with an old piece of blanket they used for sleeping.
-I don’t want to bother… I just want to find my house,» I told them with a whisper.
-We’ll do that,» Lightning replied, in a soft but confident voice. But first you need to rest.
As the rain continued to fall, we shared stories. I told them about Mas Torrencito, its endless fields and the creek where I could jump without anyone scolding me. I told them about Mastitwo and how, in that place, it seemed that dogs and humans were completely happy.
-It must be paradise,» said Nina, sighing. Here in the city, there are too many cars, too many dangers.
The search for home. The day I got lost…
When the rain stopped, Tiza stood up decisively.
-Let’s go. If you remember anything about your house, tell us.
I tried to describe my neighborhood: a large park, a fountain with children playing and balloon-shaped lampposts. My new friends escorted me through streets and avenues, sniffing the air for any clues. We walked as a group, and although I was still afraid, I felt I was not alone.
After hours of searching, a familiar scent hit me: croquettes. It was the smell of my food, the one that only the croquettes served to me at home have. My paws reacted before my mind, and I ran like crazy towards the scent.
And there they were: my masters, soaking wet and with worried faces, calling my name.
-Baby! -cried my master when he saw me, «You’re here!
I ran to them, jumping into their arms, licking their hands and face. The happiness in their eyes made my tail keep wagging. My friends, Tiza, Nina and Rayo, watched from afar, and when I barked to thank them, they disappeared into the shadows like silent heroes.
The moral
That night, as I slept in my little bed, I thought about all that I had learned. The city is a place full of dangers, but there are also noble hearts like those of my new friends. However, nothing compares to the freedom and happiness I felt in Mas Torrencito.
There, there are no cars or leashes, just games, adventures and love. It’s a place where we, the dogs, and our masters can be happy, free of worries. I finally understood why my family seemed so happy there too. In that special corner, we all forget the noise and chaos of the city.
Since then, every time I see my master planning a trip, I expect him to say those two magic words: Mas Torrencito. Because in that paradise I not only run, jump and play… I also learn what true freedom means.
From Mas Torrencito we wish you a good day and that your dog accompanies you !!!!
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If you want, you can see our vouchers for weekends, retirees vouchers, at an incredible price…go to www.mastorrencito.com or if you want you can read more history and anecdotes that have happened to us in Mas Torrencito… Click here:
