Ode to Lucy

As anyone who knows me can attest to, I love my dog. As with most things in life, she has given me much more than I have given her. The first day I met her, I went to the Oregon Humane Society just to 'look'. I told myself I would wait until I had researched dog breeds and was prepared with some dog gear essentials; a bed, a leash, a doggy door, a water bowl. I had none of these things, so my trip was just to investigate and learn about adopting a dog. I now realize that once I stepped foot in OHS, it was all over, I would be a dog owner within hours...water bowl or not. It was inevitable. She was grinning from ear to ear. She was standing on her two hind legs, front paws on the cage in front of her, wagging her tail and barking incessantly for someone to give her attention. I fell in love the moment I saw her, and I'm a sucker for love. With her, I have had a lifetime worth of love and loyalty. She reminds me every day to enjoy the simple things that life gives us; a trail in the woods, squirrels, food, chewing up couches...She finds enjoyment every day no matter what. No matter what. If we could all be so lucky.

The hardest thing I'll ever do is say goodbye to her for two years. If crying makes you uncomfortable, you don't want to be around when I actually have to do this. I may cry for the entire 22 hour flight to Bangkok...and then some. But, I am comforted by knowing this; she will be loved after I'm gone (Michelle and Scott, you really are my saviors!). She will be surrounded by good people, her best buddy Bean, and lots of love. Lots of love...If we could all be so lucky.

Oda Al Perro

Vamos
hombre y perro reunidos
por la mañana verde,
por la incitante soledad vacía
en que sólo nosotros
existimos,
esta unidad de perro con rocío
y el poeta del bosque,
porque no existe el pájaro escondido,
ni la secreta flor,
sino trino y aroma
para dos compañeros,
para dos cazadores compañeros:
un mundo humedecido
por las destilaciones de la noche,
un túnel verde y luego
una pradera,
una ráfaga de aire anaranjado,
el susurro de las raíces,
la vida caminando,
respirando, creciendo,
y la antigua amistad,
la dicha
de ser perro y ser hombre
convertida
en un solo animal
que camina moviendo
seis patas
y una cola
con rocío.

-Neruda