Dog

Dog, you’re wonderful! They’ve called you “Buddy”, and that’s just what you are. Love? It’s never been spoken, but through your eyes and your wet-tongue caresses, I understand you. You need me – for food and shelter and guidance – and because of this I need you.

I remember those long summer evenings when I sat on the sunset-flooded porch, alone until you pattered softly in and laid your trusting head in my lap. Then, such a surge of comfort and belonging filled me that the sunset became a sunrise. And then I thought of the innocence and faith that beat within that furry breast.

Sure, you stole the pork chops at the barbecue last summer, and no one would pat you for a week. And you were the little bulldozer who uprooted all the pansies yesterday. But you look at me with those deep, worshipful eyes, and I melt all over. Deliriously, I forget that you are a criminal, and…..what can I do? I forgive you! ( ….. and you know, I’ll keep on forgiving you and forgiving you. )

Come here dog, come here and tell me how much you trust me. I guess I’ll never stop wondering at your loyalty. I’m not such a great person but to you I’m a queen, and I know you’d do anything in the world for me. Yes sir, it never ceases to amaze me.

That’s why, tonight, I’ve got to hurry home. That’s why I’ll peer hopefully down the road as my footsteps quicken. I’ll know who’s waiting at the gate. Ah yes, dog, you’ve got me hooked…….
….and I love it!

Connie Rolph Sanders
Copyright, 1964.