Best Friend

Oh my friend, I feel so tired. You are sitting with me on the floor...not on the couch like we usually do. I know you are crying and I’m doing my best to make you happy. I’ve only ever been happy when you are happy. You get up and tell me it’s time to go. You’re putting my leash on, but I promise I won’t try to go after the deer or peacocks today. You help me into the car and it’s hard for me to get my tummy onto the backseat. The drive feels over in just a minute. I don’t want to go inside the building, even though I’ve been here before. There are young dogs in the big room and I’m scared. I don’t feel too good and I don’t know if I can make friends with them and protect you. I finally go in, because you beg me to. In our private room, the lady in white comes with her familiar voice. She is nice, but I never liked it here. It smells funny and the floors are cold. I hear you crying but I can’t lift my head, so I just raise my eyes to you. You put your head down against mine and talk to me. I haven’t heard well in years, but I feel your voice and it reminds me of the day you brought me home. I love you so much. I feel a little poke on my skin. I’m not sure where it came from. I’m so sleepy, best friend. Thank you for holding me.