it feels as though I’m past
the pedigreed part of my life,
finished with bloodlines and credentials
done caring if he/she/it/we
are descended from a long line
of champions–“mister hester chester
of nestor farms” –done with leashes
done with heeling, with coming
when called, done
with staying for treats
it feels as though now
it’s the random genes of the pound
and the hardiness of the unexpected mutt
as if from now until animal control
finally sweeps me up
from the street
it’s nose to the wind, feet in the mud
and burrs in the long fur
it’s chasing whatever moves
and rolling in the dead stuff
it’s running all day and licking whoever
and whatever needs to be licked
it’s smelly and dirty and deliciously wet
from here on out–it’s sleeping
like a dog
© J.A. Fink 2013
Jeff, you’re amazing! Thank you for sharing your generous heart. Paula Bass
Love this. Just have our first dog for 2 years. Love him so much. He healed me in so many ways.