The Watcher Read Free Page B

out onto a pathway that wound among the buildings in the complex and where armed men in SS uniforms patrolled with their dogs.
    In the field beyond the compound, a dog crouched by its trainer, waiting for a signal. Then, upon command, the animal, its teeth bared, darted toward a humanlike dummy that stood on the other side of the field. In an instant the dog leaped, knocked the dummy to the ground, and began tearing it to shreds. I cringed at the sound of gnashing teeth and snarls.
    Why are these dogs being taught to kill? Did Adrie really think I would find this fun to watch? I winced as, on command, the dogs, fur bristled, bodies tensed, sprang on men who wore protective clothing and played the parts of the prisoner or enemy.
    The officer who was with me stopped and spoke to me in English. “Perhaps you’d like to see the puppies we are training.”
    I followed him to a long narrow building where various-size dogs peered out from kennels. The officer opened a cage where the smallest puppies squealed, scurried out to me, and licked my hands as I stooped to pet them.
    â€œThey’re adorable,” I murmured. “I hate to think they’ll be vicious police dogs soon.”
    One shy black-brown-and-white puppy stood off, eyeingus. “What are you doing there all by yourself? Just watching?” I called. “Come see me, little guy.”
    The guard snickered. “He won’t come. He’s stupid—not good for anything.”
    â€œCome on, little pup,” I crooned. “You want to play, don’t you?” This time, I could see the puppy’s eyes brighten—and he pounced over to me.
    â€œHa!” said the officer. “He likes you.”
    When I knelt to pet him, the little dog rubbed against me as if looking for affection, his tail wagging madly. I put my arms around him, and he jumped up immediately and lapped my face. “I love this one!”
    â€œOh, that dog is worthless,” the officer scoffed. “Look at him. He doesn’t lift his ears upright like a pure-blooded noble German shepherd.”
    Sure enough. Instead of straight perked-up ears, one of this dog’s ears folded over comically.
    â€œWhy do you say he’s worthless? Surely, it has nothing to do with his ears.”
    â€œHe’s a clown. He doesn’t obey, and he’s six months old. I expect he’ll be put down sometime soon.”
    â€œWhat do you mean ‘put down’?”
    â€œHe’ll probably be shot,” the man replied. “We can’t afford to train and feed a dog that is of no use. If a dog can’t be trained, he’s shot. That’s it.”
    I took ahold of the dog’s collar and pulled him closer to me. The dog’s cold nose tickled my neck as he climbed back into my arms. “No, he can’t be shot,” I objected loudly. “He’s a wonderful dog. Someone would want him.”
    â€œDo you want him?” the officer asked. “You can have him, but you need to remember we are at war and a pet takes many of your rations. You may be sorry.”
    â€œI’ll speak to my mother when she returns,” I said, holding the puppy close.
    I won’t let them shoot this dog! I have to convince Adrie to let me keep him.

6
Promises
    W hen Adrie walked through the door, the dog was sleeping in my lap. “Are you ready to leave?”
    â€œI don’t know.”
    Adrie frowned. “What do you mean, you don’t know?”
    â€œOh, Adrie, I can’t leave this dog here. They’re going to shoot him.”
    â€œWhy are they going to shoot him?”
    â€œBecause he’s not vicious enough to be a police dog, that’s why.” I waited for a response, but Adrie looked befuddled, so I pressed on. “He’s a beautiful, lovable puppy, and they’re going to kill him. Can we take him with us?”
    â€œNo, we can’t. We absolutely