Emily’s Interesting Sunday Morning

There was a mischievous wind playing with the trees in our backyard this morning. It was a mix of strands of cool and warm music. The pulse of it enlivened both Emily and me.

First thing each morning, by the time I finish carrying Emily down the stairs, Samwise has already traversed the lawn and is disappearing into the woods that lead to the river. Emily looks after him with envy. When she was healthy and whole, she sometimes followed.

Sometimes is an significant word in that sentence.

Before her torn cruciate, the surgery that followed, and this marathon rehab, she always had the choice to follow him or not.

Since the operation on July 1, we venture into the backyard before I carry Emily back upstairs where she goes into her crate, and Samwise and I leave for a lengthy walk. When we return, it’s Sam’s turn to stay behind while I take Emily for a fifteen-minute stroll on a short leash.

Ah, but this morning’s wind carried spirits with it. Emi closed her eyes and eased her snout into the p…