Day 6&7: Exit Interviews

 A week spent with Albie as a follow on from the same with dear Arlo, to compare and contrast their company here. Two young dogs, same breed & circumstances, yet so different in character and temperament.

I've not yet let go of Arlo or said good-bye to him, that's bereavement for you it's just not logical or plays by any rules, so I conflate them in my head and still see them both as one. 

I miss Arlo and his ways that would often make me laugh out loud,  I'm learning Albie's new ways, so perhaps one will replace the other over time and seem normal again.

Arlo always wore his heart and soul clearly on his shoulder, there was no concealment, whereas Albie is more circumspect, relaxed and then suddenly demanding so these transitions take time.

It's been some of the worse weeks of humanity listening and thinking about Ukraine and Rwanda. Albie has been an unexpected and welcome harbour from those storms, missing Arlo, but indulgently able to enjoy his simple loving company in convalescence despite the horror outside.

I've spent most of my life mostly in the company of adults, no Ted Hughes here. so this has been a time to reflect and languish in the company of a new fellow spirit, Crow, looking out at an unwelcome world and enjoying the simplest pleasures at the same time. 

A brush, a chat, a stroke or play, a doze, a sofa sprawl or healthy protective pace ahead around the park. Dogs expect nothing and give everything, trust us totally and we just have to respond to their clear invite.

When I had my knee fixed I was stuck in limbo on a sofa, so feel sympathetic to a small buddy who has had even more done under the cruel knife, an offer of my company is a small and fair exchange.

The house will suddenly be empty again, yet these small beasts leave their mark, smell or puddle to remember them by, their expression of love.