Today's walk was 59 minutes and change and 5,617 steps. Molly accompanied me. She was as enthusiastic as ever. I started off at a run and she kept looking at me as if wondering, could this be true? Are we running? This is so fun! I slowed down pretty quickly but she was still as happy as could be. She never complains and looks at me like "another walk? are you kidding?" That is one of the many glorious things about dog ownership. I have had two other very special dogs in my life. And all three of these dogs have given their unconditional love and enthusiasm no matter what the circumstance.
There is a very sad poem I love called Good Boy which I think captures the essence of dog ownership. Remember it's a sad one so get out a hanky. I have no idea who wrote it.
Small companion,
Sometimes I think I see you stir
From your pallet on the floor
and in the moment before the mind
rights itself, I call your name
the way I said it to myself the night
I lifted you from the street
knowing everything would be different.
Blame is as useful as a broken chain,
as the decision I made day after day
to let you run free. Free, you lay
on the rain-stricken street
silver-eyed, without breath,
black curls tight against your perfect chest.
The vet said it was quick, your unmarred body
dying on the inside, all the organs crying together.
Dog of the many days, of the city, of the desert,
I hear the jangle of your collar in my dreams.
I see you standing on the stairs
or racing down the hill, explaining in your best way
that you want to come too. That you'll be a good boy.
That you remember everything I ever taught you.
