She lets

me know

that I’ve been

out

too late.

Chewed sticks

abound indoors,

to be

picked up

half-heartedly

and

tread upon

furiously.

She lets

me

know

that she’s

actually

the one

calling 

the shots

by fence fighting

like a

demon,

back-ridge up,

and tail

furious.

She lets

me know

that

everything

is going to be

just 

fine, 

as she lounges

around

the house,

while she

naps

and shadows

me.

She lets

me 

know

that she

loves me

with all her heart,

her

still-hot-from-sleep 

muzzle in 

my neck,

her soft belly

ready for

the best day

ever.

We really don’t

deserve dogs.

Thank God

that they

found

us.

~Lu