Stunt Dog Demo

I was there alongside Lewis when he decided to stage his unforgettable and rather impromptu performance. It was the tail end of summer, the stifling heat of the desert waning, replaced by more pleasant conditions. The day dawned bright and clear in California, promising adventure.

On a Monday morning, Lewis decided to challenge the oppressive work routine by calling in sick. The irony wasn’t lost on us when he used the phone to inform the telephone company of his absence. With a day of freedom in hand, Lewis was set on capturing more than just photos; he aimed to immortalize the essence of life in a small California town. As his friend, I was his companion on this artistic expedition, fittingly taking a day off work to join him.

Lewis had a loyal canine companion, Old Red, a Pit Bull Terrier who seemed thrilled to break his routine and join us on our photo journey. So there we were: Lewis, me, our collection of cameras, and the ever-enthusiastic Old Red, setting out on our adventure that fine morning.

We drove for about thirty minutes along tranquil country roads before reaching a secluded spot to park the mighty Chevrolet Impala. This car, despite its worn appearance, held a special place in Lewis’s heart. The dark blue paint was faded in spots, but it concealed the power of an eight-cylinder engine.

One of the car doors had a small hole patched up with a band-aid, a lasting reminder of Lewis's less-than-stellar marksmanship with a .38 caliber pistol.

After a brief setup and letting Red roam freely for a bit, Lewis gave him a stern talk about social responsibility—something Red had heard countless times before. Lewis surveyed the landscape, taking in the morning light, while Red, with typical doggy enthusiasm, marked his territory on a sage bush.

We ventured into the hills, Lewis on the lookout for a breathtaking vista while Red relished his newfound freedom, darting ahead and exploring every nook and cranny.

About an hour into our hike, we took a break, enjoying crusty French rolls with thick slices of sharp cheddar cheese and cold dark beer. The serene beauty of the high desert hills seemed to echo with the ancient whispers of the land, as if carrying memories of the Native Americans who once called this place home. Lost in thought, we savored the moment.

Continuing our trek, Lewis and I reached the crest of a hill and paused, each lost in our own thoughts. Below us, a clearing revealed a parked truck with music and laughter drifting up to us. Lewis seemed more interested in a natural gully and a jagged outcropping of sandstone rock that caught his eye.

Lewis, ever the dedicated photographer, quickly set up his old Nikon, moving from one position to another to capture the perfect shot. I couldn’t help but wonder if he had remembered to load film this time.

As Lewis was engrossed in his photography, I noticed two figures approaching from below—a woman in a red shirt and a boy in a brown shirt. They waved, and I returned the gesture, anticipating their arrival.

Red, sensing the newcomers, became curious and started moving toward them. Worried about the potential for misunderstandings given Red’s breed, I quickly grabbed his leash from Lewis. But Lewis had another idea. With a flourish, he looped the lead around his ankle, securing Red to his leg.

Just as the visitors reached us, a gray-white jackrabbit darted across our path, catching everyone's attention. Red, always up for a chase, lunged after the rabbit. In the ensuing chaos, Lewis lost his balance and tumbled down into a gully, disappearing in a cloud of dust.

The woman and boy seemed stunned, while I rushed to the edge to check on Lewis. Miraculously, he seemed relatively unscathed, albeit covered in dirt and leaves. The boy was thrilled, declaring Lewis a Scottish stuntman and expressing his admiration for the daring leap.

Lewis, still trying to regain his composure, wiped the blood from his nose and attempted to clear his mouth of dirt and grass. His attempt to shoo the boy away was mistaken for a Scottish greeting, much to Lewis’s chagrin.

The woman introduced herself as Mary and her son as Larry. They had come to the area for a school project and had planned to grill burgers but lacked a means to light the coals.

Lewis, ever the showman, regaled them with tales of his daring exploits, portraying himself as a secret agent rather than a phone company technician. Larry was captivated, while Mary looked on with a mix of amusement and skepticism.

After some pleasant conversation, Mary offered to drive Lewis home to exchange vehicles later. Red and I would spend the rest of the day together, enjoying our newfound freedom.

Hours later, I returned to Lewis’s house to find a note from Mary and Larry, letting me know they had gone to dinner with Lewis and that they had plans to get married. Lewis and Mary had been dating for months, and they wanted me to be the best man at their simple, intimate wedding.

Over the following weeks, Lewis and Mary tied the knot, and I had the honor of being the best man. Despite the chaos and unexpected turns of that day in the desert, it had led to new beginnings and lasting friendships. And so, with Lewis happily settled into married life and Old Red still by his side, our days of wild desert adventures were replaced by the joys and challenges of new chapters ahead.