In the Company of Four-Leggeds

We were gifted yesterday by an encounter with a fox who had a lush, full, and colorful coat. His tail was a ripe flag. His boots were thin and black. His face so perfect, his body so light and graceful, it was as if he stepped out of a painting.

He was curious enough to stop and study us while crossing in front of us. I asked Samwise to stay by my side and then called Emily even closer. My biggest concern with each of them is that they are too friendly, but they listen well when around the company of wild things. And so it was that in the late afternoon, three different species stopped to acknowledge the others in a calm, respectful manner.

Mr. Fox took his time moving on. This delighted me. For I did not wish him to leave and could have spent hours with him. As he dipped down into thicket below the trail, we walked on. Of course, Samwise and Emily gave his path a good sniffing and watched him weave through the undergrowth until, at last, his tail was no longer visible.

I am reminded …