He sleeps now. His breaths travel familiar currents through those glistening black nostrils, but they are too often interrupted by gasps and wheezes. Once in a while, his paws twitch dreamily, as if they were still carrying his bristling body through endless fields or rocky beaches. His tail wags at some imagined joy. His jaws munch on an imagined treat.
I remember when you were a puppy, and you never walked, but pranced all day long as if life were a parade. I remember how proud you were when I trained you to perform your duties. You took upon the tasks I couldn’t do myself. Where I was weak, you were strong, and you’ve been carrying me all these years. The love and devotion that were in your gaze from the very beginning – it was easy to trust you completely.
I stir and you wake to gaze at me with your inquiring eyes. No, I don’t need anything right now. You can rest. Peace be with you.
In your eyes, I see a more splendid image of myself than I dare seek from any other source. You are blind to the ways in which I am broken. You are indifferent to my excessive needs. To you, I am a whole person—without disability, without fault. Who knew that my indomitable illness would find its nemesis in your four fleet paws, two floppy ears, and one curly tail? Your unwavering love has been my constant guide from sickness to health. You are the magical elixir that gives life to a dead woman. Thank you for your service.
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