The Path Between Santry and Hell

Nervously I looked straight ahead and increased my already smart pace. I cursed my weak-willed decision to use these fields as a short-cut. I should have stuck to my routine and waited for a bus to bring me down the winding Coolock Lane instead.

The pitter-patter continued behind and seemed to come closer. I was really worried now. Gathering up all my courage, I stopped; so did the footsteps behind. I whirled around and found myself facing a dishevelled Cocker Spaniel. I let out a startled, nervous laugh. The dog sat and gave me a mournful look.

The full moon overhead cast enough light to make out large, black blotches on a white, long-haired body. The head was tilted to one side and a large panting tongue draped from exposed teeth.

He was obviously alone for the field was empty but for us. The buzzing of a nearby pylon and muffled noise of traffic in the distance were the only sounds as we confronted each other. The dog continued to stare, panting slowly. Suddenly I was angry at it for causing me distress.

“Go home!”, I shouted. “You’re not following me!”. The dog did not move. I started on my way again and immediately the pitter-pattering did too. I stopped and looked back just in time to catch him sitting down.

“Damn you dog, go home!”. Its large, saucer-like eyes made me aware of my temper. I tried reason. “Look, you can’t follow me home. Will you get that into your thick skull? There are enough dogs around our place and a lot of vicious one besides. You could get yourself hurt”. The dog hung its head as if surprised at my determination. “I’m sorry, but that’s the way it is”. I turned to go and before I could move a step the dog was sniffing at my ankles. I looked at the moon and implored forgiveness for whatever mortal sin I had unknowingly committed to be. punished in this way.

An idea popped into my head. I faced the dog again and obediently it sat down. Then I started walking slowly backwards. It worked! The dog remained sitting. Ten feet...