Summer spends a lot of time looking out the window from her ottoman all the time. What is she watching? What is she thinking? Does she yearn for something more than I give her? Does she wonder what’s out there beyond the backyard fence?
She does eagerly join me on the leash when we explore the grounds outside the fence — which reminds me I have not been in our back woods all year, as other matters dominated. I have thought that getting serious about the gardens and taking better care of the grounds are projects for next year, and now next year is just two weeks away.
I can probably accomplish two things at once by taking a tour of the property with Summer more regularly. We both could use the exercise.
What is this bond between the children of wolves and the children of humans? It’s something deeper than fealty to the large creature that provides the food, water and shelter. Why does this beast willingly accept my attaching a restraint to her collar so she can’t run off in whatever direction she wants when we go outside there fences?
From my point of view, freedom is a universal desire, so what makes this sweet creature lie by my side and keep me company, even though I never allow her to run free? It’s a mystery.
But I’d be lying if I said it doesn’t comfort me to the core to know this crazy animal acts as if she wants to accompany me everywhere, as if her proper place is right here and right now, lying pressed against my feet while I type on my laptop and acknowledge her only with an occasional scratch behind the ears.
I don’t understand how it works, or why it works the way it works. I just know it works, and that warms my heart.
