Flowing: Perception of soft, warm breath… mine... and the light of earliest morning inviting me to the new day, from the formlessness of sleep into form.The dog’s butt nestled against mine. Fluffy bedding, body heat, feels cozy. Levi senses me stirring. He moves around to place his face on the pillow next to mine and smell my breath. I chuckle… at least someone appreciates my morning breath! Black eyes shining like stars in the dim light track my every move. I reach out to pet his soft fur and he offers me his belly in deep surrender. He starts his funny morning moan song “Wake up. It’s time to go out.” To be even more effective with his seduction, he places his head on mine and sings louder. I’m laughing.
Staccato: Ok. I’m up. We go! Check list: Water bottle. Check. House keys. Check. GPS collar. Check. Money. Check. Sunglasses. Check. Leash. Check. Off we go. Levi flies down the stairs. Pauses on the landing. I give the command to “Sit” and he complies perfectly as we are about to head out to freedom and fun.
We have our route. Pee. Poo. Mazzola’s bakery for my breakfast. Carroll Garden park where Levi gets to chase some squirrels and birds. He’s having a blast. I’m enjoying my coffee and getting my music and headphones together for the long walk to Prospect Park. Choosing my soundtrack. Ok, got it dialed.
It’s a long hike to the park. Crosswalks. He is so good; he sits and waits to cross. Once across though, he is not so obedient and strains at the leash to get there faster. We jostle for control. Ensuing chaos…. I am holding back the tidal wave of his young enthusiasm to get to the park where he can run off leash. "We will get there Levi. Heel!” … not super effective. I can’t wait to release him to his joy!
Chaos: Finally, the park! The leash comes off and Levi takes off like a silver bullet, flushing birds out of bushes, running in wild circles. The ecstasy of freedom, energy unfettered. I feel elated by his exuberant celebration of Life Force. He leaps, disappears into the trees, comes flying past me from all directions, high on his own athletic prowess. The whole park is an eruption of dogs happily going nuts. Off leash is the magic hour before 9 am and tons of people are enjoying their pets having the time of their lives. Throw joggers and babies in strollers in the mix and you have Lyrical Chaos.
Lyrical: Autumn leaves fly through the air in swirls of gold and orange. We’re both sweetly tired having completed the round at the park. I stop at a bench and offer Levi some water that he drinks from my cupped hand. All these dogs of every different shape and size stream past us. People are smiling; I’m smiling too. Simple pleasures. My heart is full. We make our way back to the apartment. Leftover Halloween pumpkins on stairs tickle me with their decaying grins and remind me of time fleeting… a cold breeze whispers of coming winter… I will be leaving soon and Levi will return to his owners. Impending goodbyes for now…
Stillness: We get back to the flat; it’s peaceful. Breakfast is devoured and Levi settles on his bed for a nap. I slowly pet his silky head and he simply receives. Tea is brewing… steam swirls into the morning light. I hear his soft breath as it slows into sleep. The steam from my cup touches my face as I lean back into the couch’s comfortable embrace. Ah this!