October was drawing to a close and the holidays would soon be with them. Dexter Cameron, deep in thought, was remembering last Thanksgiving, Joyces's last holiday. He had lost her just two weeks before Christamas. He remembered the delight she had taken in celebrating Thanksgiving. In failing health and constant pain, she had insisted on roasting a turkey and baking a pie and decorating the table in festive autumn colors, assisted by Mrs. Bateman. Deep in thought he felt a large paw tapping his knee. Bruno, his big black chow with the scowly face and the heart of a puppy, was asking for attention. It had been eleven years since Joyce had brought home the little black ball of fur from the shelter where she had been volunteering. He had been doubtful at first, not feeling ready to accept the responsibility of a dog, but all doubt had disappeared the first moment he held the happy, wriggling puppy in his arms and felt the wet kisses on his cheek. He remembered how she had laughed, how her eyes had sparkled with excitement when he said they could keep the puppy. She insisted he name it and he had chosen Bruno, named for the big shepherd he had as a boy. From that time on Bruno had been part of the family.

It had been almost a year since she had lost her battle with Cancer, leaving Dexter deeply depressed. Bruno had sensed Dexter's grief and had tried in all the doggy ways he knew, to comfort his grieving master. It hadn't worked and soon Bruno himself had settled into a gloomy depression. Now he was asking for attention. The old man sighed, remembering the long walks with Joyce, Bruno running beside them, chasing a squirrel in the woods, barking at seagulls on the beach, enjoying just being there. Thinking about it now, Dexter felt guilty. Mrs. Bateman was right. He should get out and start living again. Most of all he felt he owed it to his faithful dog. He went into the kitchen, Bruno close behind him. Mrs. Bateman looked up and was delighted to see him smiling. It had been such a long time.

"You are right, Marge, I think Bruno and I will take a walk." He turned to go into the laundry to get the leash but was met in the doorway by Bruno, eyes shining, tail wagging and the leash in his mouth. Dexter turned to Mrs. Bateman, shaking his head,

After they had entered the woods above the beach, Dexter took off the leash and Bruno wandered happily, this way and that, sniffing signs and marking to leave his own. Dexter laughed and realized he hadn't felt so relaxed since. . . since. Bruno had chased a squirrel into the woods and was out of sight. The man whistled and the big head popped through the shrubbery. The happy chow came running to him and laid his head against the man's leg, looking up at him and laughing, then they both laughed together. Life was good. He fastened the leash to the dog's collar and they turned back to town.

They turned down Laurel Street and approached the house. As they passed the house next door he noticed a small boy standing inside the gate. The boy, Dexter guessed him to be about eight, had bright blue eyes and a shy smile. Bruno was already at the gate, tail wagging. The little boy looked up, eyes shining,

"Of course. He is a very friendly fellow." The boy reached through the gate and laid a hand on the big head. Bruno responded by licking the hand. The little boy was delighted.

"Hi, Paul. I'm Dexter Cameron, your next door neighbor." The boy was speechless at having an adult introduce himself by name. Dexter gave a slight tug on Bruno's leash and turned to walk away when the boy found his voice.

A few days later, sitting in his study, he heard Bruno barking outside..Going to the window, he saw Paul and the dog, each intent on the other, on opposite sides of the fence. The boy would run a few steps to the left, Bruno quick to follow, then the boy would suddenly do an about face and run in the other direction. Bruno, not taken off guard by the tactic, would whirl around and follow, barking joyously. They seemed to never tire of the game. Dexter, watching them, grinned. It took so little to make a boy and a dog happy. He left his office and went out into the garden. Seeing him, the boy stopped in mid stride. Bruno yipped and came running. The boy stood there, nervous because he wasn't sure what to expect from the sudden appearance of the man, whom he had met so recently. Dexter smiled and the boy relaxed.

"I see you and Bruno are playing a game." The boy nodded, not sure what to say. "Would you like to come over and visit with him.? The boy looked over his shoulder and said,

"Why don't you ask her." Paul was nervous, not wanting to offend his new friend, but obviously worried about the consequences.

"The invitation stands. . . whenever you feel like coming over." He turned and went back to the house, Bruno at his heels. The boy stood there for a few minutes then, shoulders slumped, walked toward his house.

Two days later, Bruno was dozing at his feet while Dexter read the Wall Street Journal. Bruno suddenly jumped up, ran to the window and barked, just once, but it was a peremptory bark. Dexter went to the window and saw the boy at the fence. .

"OK, old boy, go see your friend," Bruno was gone. Exiting the doggie door a minute later, he made for the fence where the boy, both arms through the fence, hugged the big head. Dexter followed, giving them time to affirm their friendship.

"Papa has given permission for me to visit. . ." he looked at the dog, "to visit Bruno."

"Excellent, do you want to go around by the gate or come over the fence?" Paul looked at the four foot high fence, not sure if he could make it. Dexter walked to the fence, reached over and put his hands under the boys arms.

"Up you go." and the boy was over the fence, Bruno dancing excitedly. Paul looked around, not quite sure this was happening. His eyes were still shining but there was a trace of apprehension. Dexter spoke quietly,

"Don't worry, Paul. Bruno will see that nothing happens to you." Paul looked at the big dog who was grinning happily. Reassured, he looked at Dexter and smiled.

"No, Maman didn't approve." Dexter was beginning to wonder what kind of mother Maman was. He found out almost immediately. Bruno growled, deep down in his throat and Dexter turned to see what had upset him.

"Paul, venez ici toute suite." The voice was shrill, the woman's manner overpowering. Neither the man nor boy had seen her approach the fence. The boy looked apprehensive.

"Oui, Maman." He looked at Dexter, started to say something, changed his mind and hurried to his mother. Dexter started after him to lift him over the fence, but before he got there the woman had seized the boy roughly and hauled him to the other side. Dexter started to explain, but she turned her back and, with a tight grip on the boy's shoulder, returned to the house. Now that he knew what Maman was like Dexter felt regret that he had placed the boy in a situation possibly leading to punishment. He hoped not physical but couldn't be sure. He knew he had to do something about it, but what?

He knew very little about the family next door other than that the senior Didarot was an exchange professor from the Sorbonne, who had traded homes as well as academic positions, for a year, with Dexter's good friend, Harry Gooden, who was now living in the Didarot home in Paris and teaching at the Sorbonne. That thought gave him an idea and he went to his desk and took out his book of phone numbers. Harry Gooden's office number was there. Not sure what to expect he dialed the number. There was no foreign inflection in the voice that answered and, assuming the telephone number had been reassigned,. he said,

"Professor, this is Dexter Cameron, your next door neighbor. I'm afraid I have placed your son in a rather uncomfortable position and hope you might have a suggestion as to how I might rectify it." He went on to explain the incident that had happened earlier, hoping the Professor would understand. The Professor remained silent while he spoke, then said,

"I do understand, Mr. Cameron, and appreciate your interest in my son. The situation is perhaps more complex than you might think. I have a seminar in fifteen minutes so haven't time to talk right now. Would you consider meeting me at the Faculty Club for lunch tomorrow? I conclude my last class at noon and will be free for the rest of the afternoon."

"I have had lunch there many times with Professor Gooden. The food is excellent."

Professor Didarot was tall, blonde and blue-eyed, totally unlike the way Dexter had visualized him. They had lunch in a quiet corner of the dining room. Dexter started to explain, once again, the situation with the boy, but the Professor raised his hand.

"Perhaps it would be easier for you if I explain the situation my son, and I, are in. Paul's mother died three years ago when Paul was five. He had a difficult time adjusting to the loss. The present Mme. Demarot was my secretary. She was most sympathetic and expressed concern for my son. I married her a year later, as much for the sake of my son as for myself. It has not turned out well. My wife was a very efficient secretary, and I know she means well, but she does not know how to be a mother. She is overprotective and expects more from my son than an eight year old knows how to give. The situation was not intolerable and showed promise for improvement until I accepted the present appointment. My wife hates Americans. I had no idea how strongly she felt about it until she objected violently to coming to the United States, even for a year." The Professor smiled briefly and went on.

"I gave her the option of staying in Paris, but she would have had to move into an apartment since the Goodens would be living in our home. She agreed to come with us, but I'm afraid the boy has paid a high price for that decision. I was pleased when he told me you had invited him to play with your dog and I gave him permission to do so. My wife chose to terminate the visit and this will cause some dissension in our household. Frankly, Mr. Cameron, I am not sure what to do about it."

Dexter shook his head in sympathy, "I wish I could help. Paul is welcome to come over and play with Bruno any time he feels like it, but I don't want to cause problems that might result." Professor Didarot smiled.

The two men talked for another half hour, enjoying each other's company. They parted with the agreement that they would lunch together again soon. Dexter suggested his club and Professor Didarot seemed pleased with the idea. After returning to his office, Professor Didarot sat for a long time at his desk, lost in thought. Then his head came up and his eyes brightened. He reached for the telephone and called a Paris number.

Professor and Mrs. Diderot had apparently come to an agreement and Paul was allowed to visit Bruno twice a week. Bruno signaled the visit by barking and Dexter would look out the window to see Paul standing by the fence. He followed Bruno out and lifted the boy over the fence. The two would play happily until a stern voice interrupted their play.

"Paul, venez ici toute suite." The command was peremptory and Paul was expected to respond immediately. Bruno would growl as Paul was hauled over the fence, but usually stayed well clear of the fence. This had been going on for two weeks when Dexter got the call from Mrs. Bateman.

She was in tears and he had a hard time understanding her. He had spent the morning in his attorney's office and she called just minutes before he was ready to leave. He knew it was about Bruno and felt a surge of panic thinking that something had happened to the dog. Through her tears the housekeeper told him that Bruno had been taken by Animal Control and that the little boy next door had been badly mauled. She was sure that Bruno would be destroyed. She gave him the phone number the Animal Control officer had given her. He hung up immediately and called Animal Control. The young lady who answered the phone was not helpful. The officer who had picked up Bruno had not returned and she could tell him nothing about the circumstances surrounding the pick up. He got the address of the shelter from her, hung up the phone and was out the door.

He arrived at the shelter minutes after the Animal Control officer had brought Bruno in. He demanded to see his dog, but the Animal Control officer suggested they talk first. The officer, a tall, kindly looking man, introduced himself.

"My dog is not vicious and has never attacked anyone, certainly not the boy next door who was his playmate."

"I am inclined to agree with you, Mr. Cameron. When I picked him up the dog was friendly and showed no signs of aggression. Unfortunately, your next door neighbor, Mrs. Didarot, has a different opinion. She has filed a complaint stating that your dog, unprovoked, attacked her son. We have just received an additional complaint from another individual who claims that your dog attacked his dog and almost killed him. In this case we are inclined to be somewhat skeptical, since his dog has twice been cited for unprovoked attacks and he is presently under a restraining order to keep his dog on leash at all times. Unfortunately there were no witnesses to the attack other than the little boy whose mother refuses to let us talk to him. We have no choice but to keep your dog in custody until this is straightened out."

"Bruno? The name seems to fit him somehow. He was on the sidewalk in front of your house."

"No! Your housekeeper came out, opened the gate and was going to take him inside, but I told her we had to hold him in quarantine for ten days. She was pretty upset."

Dexter shook his head. He didn't like leaving Bruno there but had to agree with Officer

Bruno was sitting in a corner of the cage, his spirit undaunted but his demeanor grim. There was a nasty gash over his left eye and the Animal Control officer apologized.

I just got here and haven't had time to make an appointment with the vet. We'll take care of that wound."

"When Bruno saw Dexter he brightened up, tail wagging, a big grin on his face. Officer Greenley opened the cage and Dexter knelt down and took the big dog into his arms, Bruno covering his face with kisses. Bruno had never been particularly demonstrative, but seemed to know that this occasion was different.

A grim-faced Dexter left the Animal Control shelter and headed for home. He arrived to find a very distraught housekeeper. He tried to console her, but she was upset at the thought that she had somehow been responsible for Bruno getting out of the yard. He asked her if the gate had been open when she came out of the house and she assured him it had been closed. The only thing he could think of was that Paul had opened the gate and let Bruno out. While he was still puzzling that point, the telephone rang. It was Professor Didarot who said he wanted to talk to Dexter and asked if he could come over. Dexter asked how Paul was and the Professor said that the doctor had just left and that Paul had mostly superficial lacerations and a few bruises, but that he would be all right. Relieved, Dexter asked Professor Didarot to come over.

The Professor had spent an hour with his son and had a very clear picture of what had happened. Paul had received permission to visit Bruno and, after his father had left, had gone out to the fence, not knowing that Mr. Cameron was not at home. After waiting at the fence for a while he had decided to go around by the front gate. Before he got to the Cameron front gate a large dog had come down the street. Paul had at first assumed the dog would be friendly and, too late, had turned to run to his own front gate. The dog had dragged him down from behind and would have done a lot more damage if Bruno had not climbed the fence and attacked the dog, While the two dogs were fighting Mme. Didarot had come out, snatched up the child and taken him into the house and called the police.

Bruno had driven the other dog off by the time the Animal Control officer arrived and Mrs. Didarot had not mentioned the presence of another dog, laying the blame entirely on Bruno.

The professor was profoundly apologetic and offered to go to the animal shelter with Dexter to secure Bruno's release. The two men left at once.

With Thanksgiving a week away, Dexter was reading the newspaper in his study, Bruno dozing at his feet, when Mrs. Bateman came in, bubbling with excitement. . .

"I think you should come to the front window and see what's going on." He got up and followed her into the living room. Through the window they could see a taxi in front of the Gooden house. The driver was putting baggage into the trunk as Mme.. Didarot waited impatiently at the curb. The Professor and Paul were standing together on the side walk. The woman looked at them over her shoulder, tossed her head and climbed into the cab. Dexter turned to Mrs. Bateman and asked,

A few minutes later the telephone rang. It was Professor Didarot, who said that Paul had asked to come over and play with Bruno. Dexter smiled and assured the Professor that Paul was always welcome. The Professor then suggested they meet for lunch at the Faculty Club.

Over lunch Dexter learned the details of Mm. Didarot's departure. Professor Didarot had talked to a colleague at the Sorbonne and explained the situation he and his son were in. The colleague had been sympathetic and had promised to see what he could do. Two weeks later Mme. Didarot had received a letter from an administrative officer at the Sorbonne, offering her an executive secretarial position. The lady had accepted and couldn't get away quickly enough.

Dexter listened with interest, noting that Professoe Diderot was much more relaxed than he had been when they last met Remembering the coming holiday, he invited the Professor and Paul to have Thanksging dinner with them. The Professor was delighted and accepted the invitation without hesitation. Mrs. Bateman was equally delighted when she heard the news, thinking what a difference the past few weeks had made in her employer. It had taken a boy and a dog to bring him back to life and she uttered a silent prayer of thanks.

The Professor and Paul arrived to find the table set for five. Mrs. Bateman had insisted that a place be set for Bruno next to Paul and Dexter, laughing, had agreed only if she also set a place for herself. He thought 'what a wonderful Thanksgiving with so many things to be thankful for.' Bruno, sitting at the table, contemplating the turkey and dressing, mashed potatos and gravy, green peas and a spoonful of cranberry sauce on his plate, agreed.