“Vintage harbor seal,” the tag said. “$14.95.” He was tucked into a glass showcase, the only one of his kind among lots of knickknacks in the huge antique store in Gruene, TX. How did he get there? He’s beautifully made with the right neck angle and big, warm eyes. What is his story? Alaska? Canada? How did he end up here? I walked away, ready to leave the story and the seal behind. But, I just couldn’t. He seemed so lonely in his little corner. I went to the counter to get the clerk to unlock the case. A young Texan, chatty and helpful, but no idea the origin of the little guy. I bought him and brought him back to our current spot in New Gruenfel . And now he’s perched right next to me and seems a little happier, even though he doesn’t even know he’s going home to the North.