Summary – Ben discovers a surprising friendship when he gets maneuvered into helping out a friend. Written for the 2026 Lorne Greene Birthday Challenge.

Rating: G; Word Count: 785

A Surprise Friend

Not one to ever roll his eyes, Ben Cartwright’s eyes rolled toward his black brows for at least the third time in an hour. He still didn’t know how he’d gotten into this situation but he was certainly stuck with it going forward, which was going to be a culmination of three complete days, once Hoss returned from a short cattle drive. Adam and Joe wouldn’t be back for another week from a horse buying trip. 

It all began with a peaceful day in Virginia City – a beer or two at his favorite saloon, some checkers with Roy, then lunch with Paul Martin. As Ben strolled toward the Silver Dollar, he came upon a robust commotion at the stage depot. Pausing to observe the goings on between a few passengers and the driver, he discovered there was a dog in the midst of the upset.

“You cain’t bring a dog on board, even if it is just to Carson City.”

“I refuse to travel with a mangy mutt nearly on my lap. I want my money back.”

“Ain’t nothin’ wrong with ‘im. He’s clean as a whistle, jest had ‘is bath this mornin’.”

“Hold on sir, we’ll get this settled. Now Obie, you’re just gonna have to leave him behind.”

“Over my dead body. Hey, hold on. Mr. Cartwright…”

Moving to bypass the brouhaha, Ben’s head snapped around, then his whole body went rigid when he spied the familiar man with the scraggly beard and his equally scraggly-furred dog coming toward him.

“Mr. Cartwright, it’s right good to see ya. If’n ya don’t mind, Walter’s in need of a place ta stay. I was gonna take him ta see my sister, but old Charlie won’t let him on the dang stage. So would you mind takin’ him in fer a few days? Walter’s been lookin’ forward to a change o’ scen’ry, an’ he’d be mighty tickled ta Hoss ag’in, an’ run ‘round yer ranch. Jest hold his collar while I’ll skedaddle back to the stage an’ be on my way. I’m much obliged. Be back in a week or so. Now you mind yer manners, Walter.”

Before Ben could register anything, the stage whipped past him and Walter in a cloud of dust. Coughing and catching himself rolling his eyes at his odd misfortune, he chanced a glance toward the dog and found two soulful brown eyes gazing at him. With nothing else to do, Ben stepped toward the saloon with his second eye roll and a deep sigh. 

“Come on, Walter.” 

“Hey, Ben. I see you finally got a dog.”

“No, Bill! Just keeping him for a friend.” 

The man laughed loudly as he left the saloon which caused Ben to roll his eyes once again before speaking to Walter, “Stay here.” 

Walter settled into a chair outside the bar while Ben dealt with the story inside over two beers. During the checkers games with Roy, Walter developed a keen interest. Ben noticed the dog’s subtly timed lifts of his fuzzy brows which helped Ben win a couple of games. At Daisy’s Diner, Walter enjoyed his own feast of beef bones beside the table while Ben and Paul enjoyed their own steaks and apple pie over friendly conversation. 

When the pair finally arrived home, Ben realized he’d have to give up his red leather chair once Walter made a beeline for it. Over the course of the three days, Ben began to enjoy Walter’s companionship, in a manner of speaking. When he rode out for ranch duties, Walter would settle on the porch and lift his eyes in joy when Ben rode in. In the evenings, Ben reclaimed his chair and Walter rested peacefully on the table by the fire. He seemed to enjoy Ben’s soothing voice when the paper or a chapter of a book was read to him. 

On the final morning, Ben watched from the barn when Hoss rode in and happily discovered Walter on the porch. The average viewer would not have seen a change in the shaggy dog, but Ben saw it – a slight widening of Walter’s eyes and barely a movement of his head. A strange pang touched his heart but he was pleased to step aside and let his big son and furry guest enjoy their time together. 

Just before Obie arrived, several days later, Ben knelt by the fluffy dog and ruffled his fur. “I’m going to miss you, old boy. Between you and me I wish you could stay.” 

As Obie greeted Hoss and headed to the porch to greet Walter, the dog gave a doleful look and slight tail wag to Ben. Ben smiled to himself. Walter, you are a caution.