Random Experiences

So last night as I walked Alicia out to her car and waved goodbye I was confronted with the feeling that someone, or something, was watching me. I turned to see a very large tan dog that appeared to be a mutt version of a Golden Retriever, only twice the normal width and obviously very worn down with age. I stopped in my tracks as he stared into my eyes with an intent that I could not translate. As I stood there he began to approach me and fearing he may be rabid I yelled SIT! He sat immediately at my feet and looked up at me as if I had been his lifelong master. Peering down I noticed a clean bright orange collar around his neck but upon further inspection noted that there were no identifying licenses or names. As I pat him on the head and back I felt a horrific stench waft into my nostrils causing me to immediately turn and cover my face as I gagged. I was all too surprised to find that the smell had transferred to my hands and, as my stomach did a flip, I turned to see the dog smiling up at me with an utter expression of pure love. I spoke to the dog asking him who he was and where he had come from, and almost consciously expected an audible human response. As quickly as he had approached, he turned and continued to meander away in the direction opposite from which he had come. I stood, concerned, baffled, wondering why he was out alone at midnight and why he had smelled so bad when he certainly had not missed any meals lately and was sure to have an owner close by. I walked upstairs still in a daze, partially due to the overwhelming wreak of my hands and partially because the whole meeting had seemed so surreal. I went straight to the bathroom and scrubbed as hard as I could to remove the touch of this dog on my skin. I awoke this morning and walked the neighborhood to see if I could find the dog or any signs of his occupation but I was left with no proof the incident had ever taken place. I worry about smelly dog. I worry he is cold, or lost, or worse of all neglected by his master. I will be keeping my eyes out for smelly dog... but I will be sure to have hand sanitizer close by, in anticipation of his return.