Just now I was returning home with my sweet pup Peter after a walk to the garden centre to source a birthday present. We got to the field that we cover daily, when I saw someone who we come across often. It was strange to see her without her dog.
When we got to her, Peter rushed up to greet as he does with most people that pass by. She said how she had lost her dog just yesterday, I exclaimed with shock as I had only seen them together a few days ago. She looked so lost. I felt sad seeing her give Peter a dog treat; she reached for the bag in her pocket with such certainty. Not enough time had passed for habits to change just yet.
She went on to explain that it was her birthday yesterday when it happened, which seemed quite fitting as he was given as a gift for her 50th birthday. He had made it to 15 years old.
I wanted to hug her, although I deemed it inappropriate as up to this point we had only ever exchanged polite small talk.
She reeled off what she was already missing since his loss - not tripping over him, hearing the sound of his feet throughout the house.
It is Peter’s first birthday next Thursday, and I had written a few words about what a sweet boy he is and the things I love about him - I had actually written how I wanted to hear his footsteps on my kitchen floor forever.
As an alternative I held her hand to attempt to show that I cared.
God bless sweet Dexter.