The time was the summer of 1943, Billy was 12 and I was 10. WWII was raging throughout the world. Billy’s Dad was called up to the Navy and later sent to the Pacific. My family fortunately stayed together. We boys had spent our summer riding bikes up to Hornecker Creek, fishing for trout and exploring. Billy’s dog Spot tagged along and enjoyed the chance to chase rabbits and follow wherever the smells might lead. One day we started home and Spot was nowhere to be found. We were heartbroken, Spot was lost! Many searches by neighborhood boys were done to no avail. Two weeks passed, no Spot. Spot's story is one of courage and the will to come home in spite of a seemingly impossible situation. Two boy’s hopes fulfilled by the bravery of a dog, reinforcing the realization that it was a great time to be a boy in a small town at the edge of the high mountains of Wyoming. A time to learn valuable lessons good for a lifetime and to develop the strength that comes from being independent, even in times of stress and worry, and even for two boys of 12 and 10.
