Taz

I tried aloof. I did.
I said no. Lynn agreed.
We have a full house. We can’t afford another dog.
I tried to deny you had claimed me before sundown of the first day.
But you amused me. You were a flirt.
I assured Louie and reassured him. Every time you touched me I reached for him.
I tried a hard shell. I tried denial.
We have a full house, a solid pack.
I saw you cock your head at the top of the stairs.
That question, with that lively old sparkle in your snowman eyes.
I remained unmoved when you laid under my chair at the table, by my chair in the office, on the corner of the bed by the window.
I heard you get up to pad along behind me when I left the room so you could be there looking up at me when I turned around.
I made sure Louie had his place and I made sure he knew it.
I found legroom between the two of you through the night.
And I found you under my chin when morning came.
Your happiness was happy and your speed so fast.
You became Louie’s playmate and our responsibility.
We made decisions for your best because you were our concern.
The timeline opened and became whatever you needed and oh, you were happy for a week or so!
And now I miss you.
I’m cut open because you had to go.
And it’s hard to grasp, little Fringe, how, after you were certain on your way, all I could see remaining in the little warm head in my hand was all of why you came and none of why you couldn’t stay.
Brave girl. A fairer story next time out.
Of that, I am certain.
Thank you for the week you had left to give.

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