"Just My Dog"

It's just my dog. She is my other eyes that can see above
the clouds; my other ears that hear above the winds.

He has told me more than a thousand times over that I am
his reason for being -- by the way he rests against my leg,
by the way she thumps her tail at my smallest smile, by the
way he shows his hurt when I leave without taking him.
(I think it makes her sick with worry when she is not along
 to care for me).

When I am wrong, she is delighted to forgive.

When I am angry he clowns to make me smile.

When I am happy, she is joy unbounded.

 When I am a fool, he ignores it. When I succeed, she brags.
Without him, I am only another person.
With her, I am all powerful.

He has taught me the meaning of devotion is loyalty itself.
With her, I know the secret comfort and a private peace.
He has brought me understanding where before I was
ignorant. Her head on my knee can heal my human hurts.
His presence by my side is protection against my fears
of dark and unknown things.
 
He has promised to wait for me ... whenever ... wherever ...
 in case I need him, and I expect I will, as I always have.

Who is s/he? -- It's just --

MY DOG!