For five weeks, this brown eyed, red-haired dog has been without her running partner, adventure buddy and closest companion. I wish I knew her thoughts, where did she think I was the past five weeks, or anytime I’m gone for that matter? Or perhaps did she hardly notice, did five weeks just feel like one long day?
I remember watching a documentary on dog’s brain activity and awareness. Something that stood out to me was the fact that dogs actually do have a sense of time, they can tell when something is taking a long time, or when it is brief. It’s still not clear what points of reference constitute a long or short period of time, but I am assuming Maya knew I was gone for a long time somehow. I wonder though, in her waiting, does she have a sense about whether I would return or not? Does she hold onto a hope, or just a constant worry and curiosity on if I will return? Disoriented, tired and eager for a landing spot, I came to my front door early this morning after a long night desperately trying to sleep on the plane. I put my key in the lock and heard a thump. This is a familiar sound, it means Maya has taken over the bed while the humans are gone and when she hears the door lock turning, she jumps down in fear of being caught. The door opened and her pointed nose peaked around. There was a curious look on her face, almost like she wasn’t expecting anyone. She had no reason to, for weeks only one person came through that door. Now, an old face, one she recognized, one she knew very well, one she missed. As soon as eyes fixed on who she knew to be her running partner, adventure buddy and closest companion, an excitement revealed itself on her face, and her body couldn’t help but to wiggle, to pee, to almost create a smile. She darted down the stairs, I kneeled to her level and braced for attack, she circled in between my legs, and every time her head faced mine, she licked, fiercely. I was showered in love. I still can’t tell, from that curious look on her face, did she not expect my coming? Was she so used to seeing the door open day-to-day and it wasn’t me. Did she lose hope? Or was she still waiting in anticipation, and was that curious look one of... is it, could it be? A dog’s love is fierce, it is unconditional, it is loyal. It is also such a mystery. Perhaps, I over think her love, perhaps it’s simple, no expectations or fear, just a dog happy to see it’s companion no matter what is known to them and no matter how long it’s been. All I know is that it is good to be on the receiving end of a love that gracefully greets your every return.
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AuthorKatie Elizabeth: Writer, Wonderer, Wanderer. Archives
April 2022
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