Alan John Mayer, Mirror Image presentations, © 2018.
After shoveling about eight inches of freshly fallen snow from the walk, I took Pokey with me to the mailbox. Earlier, at six a.m., he had made it clear he did not want to go out. Now he was happy to accompany me. I inserted the key into the communal mailbox on the snow covered island, turned, and saw he had found an ideal spot in which to drop his ‘Good Morning’ to the world.
“Heal” I commanded, knowing only a firm tone will get his attention.
The dog obeys. I reach into my pocket, pull out a plastic bag, and pick up his early morning delivery.
“Okay” I say. He leaps into the freshly fallen blanket of snow, sprinting sideways, like a deer. This is too cold for me, he seems to say. Let me back into my nice warm bed.
He slips on the slidewalk, recovers, then jumps onto the front porch. He turns, and gazes at me with an inquisitive look. Are you coming in by the porch, he wonders, or are you going in through the garage?
God bless all animals. And people, too.