A couple weeks ago, I shared a poem about a toddler laughing at a dog in a yellow Sponge Bob sweater. I thought it would be fun, today, to share a little more of my creative writing. This is in the point-of-view of the same dog, Loki.

Loki-doke

(A Dog’s Perspective on Running)

By Jenifer Tull-Gauger

Loki the dog, seeing the opportunity of an open door, runs.

Quietly, quickly, he slips out, down the driveway, across the street not caring about cars.

He gets to the sidewalk and bolts, greyhound legs a blur, muscles pumping, ears back.

He hears the rush and feels the air’s caress as he glides through it.

His heart pumps as he breathes deeply the fresh air, exhilarated.

He feels he can go on forever like this; alive, free, excited, independent.

One of his favorite things is meeting new people and new dogs,

And out here the possibilities are endless.

His master is there calling him – that voice reassures him that everything is fine and safe.

Then he hears his master running behind him, joining the fun and freedom.

But his master is slow on human legs.

Loki pauses to sniff a marked bush, letting his master catch up, then they are off again.

When his master lags behind again, calling, Loki makes a small circle back.

He runs toward his master to make sure he’s okay and still on track.

His master reaches out to catch Loki – what a fun game!

Loki veers around the arms and quickly runs off again…

A bit More about Loki the Dog

We adopted Loki from our local animal care and control shelter. He was a great, loving dog and he did get over his running habit that he had when we took him in. I think that was after he realized that he had found his “forever home” with us and that he was cared for. Loki was very intelligent, easy to train, and loved everyone he met.

There are so many great dogs and cats (and sometimes other animals) needing homes in shelters all over. If you are able to care for a new best friend, I highly recommend that you adopt an animal that needs a forever home. Petfinder.com can help steer you to shelters in your area.

Some people have an emotional issue with going and looking at all the animals in the pound, trying to decide if there’s a good fit for their home. I bet those people know someone who is willing to go look on their behalf. That adoption helper can take a list about the type of pet wanted and send pics to the person who’s ready to adopt. But don’t delay; when you find the right fit, you need to act right away, go meet your potential new best friend, and get the adoption process started.

-Jenifer Tull-Gauger