on the Morning Shift

Verbal went out the other night. He likes traveling in cars and actually fun to take out. Usually, he sits on the back seat looking out the window like a philosopher of life or he took position in the back compartment lying comfortably down like a spoiled kid.
On this particular night, the dog was proudly contemplating a night urban life when a random police check stopped our journey. The officers waved their glow sticks and I pulled over.

Normally, this wouldn’t be a problem but I didn’t remember where the registration papers were for the Jeep and I was without a valid license. The officer was courteous and persistent. He needed to see the papers.

While I was busied with the effort to locate those priceless laminated documents, the officer predictably inquired why I had a big dog in the car. He seemed reluctant to approach any closer to my window while Verbal was very eager to make friends with the uniformed man outside and stubbornly pushed himself closer to the open window. He’s a pretty large puppy and I was driving a big Jeep, his head stood almost just as tall as the officer.

I told him that the dog was a trained sniffer and that he was expected for a morning shift in Menteng. He expressed some amusement and edged a touch closer to inspect the canine. I added casually that the dog had a military rank but couldn’t recall what it was though I suspected it was First Lieutenant, or second, or something.

This last bit he didn’t seem to digest right away and attempted to look me in the eye. I explained that I wasn’t completely aware of the details but the dog sniffs important things for nobler purpose and was due to do his patriotic duty at some ungodly hour on the other end of town - which was the only plausible reason why a man like myself would be driving a big Jeep in hotel slippers with a big dog without any papers at all.
In my eagerness to contribute to the safety and survival of mankind, I had obviously forgotten the trivial administrative details. We’re all in the same side.

He curiously stepped closer to inspect the dog one final glance before sending me off. The officer told me not to ever do such things again and I duly promised him so.

Verbal looked very disappointed that he didn’t get to make friends with the nice Police officer. We waved goodbyes and drove off.