It was a doghouse. It dominated the right corner of the backyard. There was no mistaking the classic Snoopy doghouse, painted in the same colors as our house, with a peaked roof and a door with a curved top. If there was any doubt of its tenant, LUCKY was painted over the door of the man-sized doghouse.
Gretchen never referred to it as a doghouseβonly a private place where I could be alone. I knew this wasn't the case, or she wouldn't have attached a wide leather collar that she placed around my neck. I looked down and there, set in cement in the center of the yard was a pile of rusty chain.
"I doubt that you will ever make the mistake of running off again, but just the same, this will remind you why you need to pay attention and do what you're told. I considered one of those new electrical devices, but I prefer the more traditional method."
It was unlikely that I would forget the chain attached to my collar, for it was large and strong enough to pull a truck. The links were an inch and a half long and a quarter inch thick. I struggled to keep up with Gretch as she led me around the yard.
"This is where your food will be placed," she said while indicating the back porch. The chain was just long enough for me to climb the three cement steps to reach my dinner.
"This isn't much of tree, but since it's the only tree in the yard, this is where you can lift your leg," she said. "You can do your business back in this corner. I want to see you lift your leg and pee on your tree." I hesitated and she said, "Now."
Just like a dog, I lifted my leg but, try as I may, I just couldn't pee.
"That's okay, Lucky, you can just stay as you are until you're finally able to pee."
Without another word, she ruffled my hair and left me chained to the center of our backyard with my own private doghouse, the house with my name painted across the top of the door.
I was afraid that I would collapse before I could finally piss on that damn excuse for a tree. It was the sound of the sprinklers going off that enabled me to pee. It was just as difficult to aim my stream so that it hit the tree. I thought I heard Gretch's soft chuckle before the back door closed softly.
I can't imagine why anyone would want to live in a doghouse, but if one must, this is the one. Truth be told, it's quite comfortable inside. While it isn't tall enough for me to stand, there is a single bed on one side of the door and a number of necessities for living outdoors on the other.
There are no blankets or pillows, but it never mattered because Gretchen had thoroughly insulted the walls and roof. I eventually found that the floor had a heating element which kept the doghouse cozy at night. I found the pair of knee pads and wondered if I should feel grateful or scared.
There is a light, and a nightlight to use in case of an emergency when Gretch turns out the night. She could probably listen to me because she always said "Good Night, Lucky," to me over a small speaker installed in my new house.
As the summer progressed, I listened to all of the night sounds. It was interesting, the way my senses seemed to become more acute. I could listen to three dogs barking clear across town, having a midnight chat. Sometimes I was so lonely that I was tempted to bark and so enter their canine conversation.
I wasn't going to mention this part because it shows the amount of control Gretchen held over me, but I might as well write it all down.