Madigan Witnessed A Murder

I have reported the extraordinary way my dog Madigan can talk to me. His ability goes beyond credulity. Just tonight he recounted a story I hesitate to share. You will likely consider me a candidate for the looney bin. Let me start at the beginning.

On a rainy afternoon a small beagle wandering aimlessly on the back road from Cartersville to Harris was picked up by Animal Control. His skin and bones body shook from fear and chill. Safely, if not happily, he was settled in the County Animal Shelter for weeks - for months. He was given food and water and shelter. And on a lucky day he was walked for thirty minutes by a shelter volunteer. No one knew his name. So Wimpy became B-4, the number of his cage.

Fearing he might be found by the wrong person, B-4 carefully eyed each walker. And he had reason to fear. For he posed a danger to someone who posed a danger to him. Three weeks before the fortunate rescue, two weeks before his aimless wandering, B-4 witnessed a murder.

His home, a shabby small cottage seven miles from the 7-11 near where B-4 was picked up, was neither safe nor happy. Frank, the owner, an unemployed mechanic, frequently for no discernible reason beat his wife Carol and children, Buddy and Suzie, ages 5 and 6.  B-4 who witnessed these beatings was not safe from his own torture. Frank kicked him so often and so hard that B-4 avoided his food and water when Frank was around.

Then that night -- it was dark. B-4 had just crept from his hiding place under the porch for food when he heard the screams. He crouched near the door and watched. Carol was on her knees in the corner of the room. Frank struck her with a chair once, again and again. Buddy yelled, "Daddy, don't."

"Shut your fucking mouth, Brat, or you'll get it too."

Suzie rushed to her mother's side. Frank's flying chair crashed against he head. She fell. She was silent as she lay against her sobbing mother. Buddy crept toward his mother and sister. "Back off, Brat, or you'll get it too."

B-4 watched as Frank carried his dead daughter to the garden where he buried her.

Police came and went over the next few days to investigate a missing child, and mother and son who had suffered a beating from an unknown perpetrator. B-4's curiosity, or concern, or devotion led to his need to run. He was caught digging in the garden. The kicks were hard, unrelenting and brutal.

Madigan now, happy and healthy in his adoptive home,  feels compelled to share  his story, although
he does fear if he has endangered his mistress. For the case is still open. And he does not know what she will do with the information.