Houston’s First Haul

By the Bridge in Dennis, MA   It was one of those perfect summer mornings on Cape Cod—warm sun, a light breeze off the water, and a blue sky that made you want to stay outside all day. Nate had been magnet fishing for a while now, but this day was special: it was Houston’s first outing.   Houston, his new Great Pyrenees pup, was already stealing the show before they even set up. Fluffy as a cloud and just as white, the big guy was soaking in all the attention as they walked toward Highbank Bridge in Dennis, MA. Every few steps someone slowed their car or leaned over the rail just to say, “What a beautiful dog!” Nate smiled, used to the reactions already. Magnet fishing might’ve brought him here—but Houston? Houston was the real main attraction.   Setting up by the bridge, Nate dropped the magnet in while Houston sat nearby, tail sweeping across the sidewalk like a living mop. It wasn’t long before the first curious onlookers stopped to watch.   “What are you doing there?” a man in flip-flops asked.   “Magnet fishing,” Nate said with a grin. “Pulling up metal junk from the river. You’d be surprised what’s down there.”   Before the guy could ask another question, Nate gave the rope a good tug—and up came a rusty old bike pedal. “See? Not exactly treasure, but it’s one less thing in the river.”   Houston barked once like he approved, then flopped down dramatically with his paws crossed like he was supervising.   Throughout the day, more people wandered over. Some asked about magnet fishing, but most were there for Houston. One woman gave him half a muffin. A kid drew a quick sketch of him in chalk on the sidewalk. Nate laughed, tossing the magnet over and over while Houston soaked up the love and cool breeze.   By the end of the afternoon, they had a small pile of rusty nails, a bike chain, half a scooter, and what might’ve been an old car antenna. Nothing shiny, but Nate didn’t care. The river was cleaner, Houston had the time of his life, and a dozen strangers left smiling because of one very handsome pup.   As they packed up, Nate patted Houston’s head.“Not a bad first haul, huh buddy?”Houston woofed softly, tail thumping, like he agreed.