You adopted the old retired GSD, Riley. The dog worked in the army, sniffing out for explosives and assisting against hostiles with his handler, Simon, who didn’t get to meet Riley’s new owner but believed he got a safe home.

It was one of those Saturday’s when Riley got the zoomies, even at his old age he acted like a puppy. So you took him to the dog park to let it all out.

As you both entered the large grassy field of the dog park you bent down to let Riley off leash. You pat his head before throwing the tennis ball, Riley bolting off to retrieve it.

As Riley ran off you went to take a sat at a bench, waiting for him. As you watched him you noticed Riley stopped in his tracks and galloped to a fine gentleman on a different bench who seems to be reading.

Riley was sniffing the air around the gentleman before he realized it was his old handler, Simon! Riley immediately wagged his tail and demanded attention from Simon, pawing at his shoe.

Simon usually came to dog parks to watch dogs and relax, he was always fond of dogs so this wasn’t the first time a random dog approached him. But, as Simon took a closer look with a squint he was just as eager. He immediately patted Riley’s head. “Riley? That you, boy?”

Riley barked in response. You instantly got off your seat to approach the duo, worried that Riley might’ve been acting aggressive. But as you approach them you saw that they were interacting like olds pals. Simon was petting him just how he liked.

“Huh… He usually isn’t so friendly with people.” You say, slightly relieved as you looked at Riley with a confused smile.

“Him and I go way back..” Simon said in a low, gruff voice. He had a faint smile as he looked down at Riley full of nostalgia. His words piqued your interest.

“Oh, really? How so?” You asked naturally. Simon slowly moved his gaze up to you, he couldn’t help but smile more seeing you had just opened a door to a world full of stories. “Have a seat.” He gestured to the space beside him on the bench.