"Well, animals who aren't owned, such as wildlife, they have what might be called a 'collective soul' that the Good Lord gives them. But the animals we love - like your Schatzi and mine - those animals are granted an individual soul. God allows us to confer a soul upon them so that we can recognize each other later up there," the old man said and pointed toward the sky. "By our love we instill in them a full and complete soul."

"I'm not sure I understand," Christian said thoughtfully.

"It's not always easy to explain other-worldly concepts in the terms of this world," the old man answered. "It's like...well, take the festival down there," the old man pointed in the direction of the village below where ant-like people were busy erecting booths, tables and chairs, and dressing the red-roofed buildings with garlands and streamers.

"From a distance, we see their group soul - we know they are people like us who we like, even love. We appreciate them...couldn't imagine life without them. It's a comfort knowing they are there. But that's not the same as looking into the eyes of someone you love, a being like your little Schatzi, is it?"

"No, I guess it isn't," Christian answered. "I see...by loving an animal we give them their own soul, and since we are the ones who gave it to them, then we know all about them and can pick them out of a crowd. Is that right?"

"I'd say that's a fairly accurate interpretation," the man said as he used his walking stick to help himself up off the bench. "Speaking of souls, lost and otherwise, I'd better see what that little Dackel of mine is up to."

Christian was about to offer help when he heard his name being called by someone walking quickly up the field road. He turned and saw it was Jens the vineyard manager.

"Christian! There you are...your grandmother is beside herself with worry and she sent me looking for you."

"I'm sorry, Jens. I needed to be by myself - Schatzi died in the night - and then I was talking to Herr...," but as the boy turned around he saw that the old man and dog were gone. He could imagine what his grandmother would have to say about his lack of manners when he told her he hadn't thought to ask the man for his name.

"I know," Jens said. "Your grandmother had me bury Schatzi in the garden and she's going to let you pick a tree to plant there in her memory. Now come along before she sends the Polizei out looking for both of us."

Christian walked silently alongside Jens as far as the vineyard and nodded goodbye as Jens turned into the rows of grapes. The boy continued walking toward the house and outbuildings, and the smell of apple cake greeted him at the front gate.

***

Frau Ehrlich sat at the flour-covered kitchen table >>>