3 small colorful jackets, for different codes of cold wet weather
1 bright pink collar, to help strangers on the beach correctly guess “Girl?”
despite her muscular chest and tendency to lift a leg
2 soft gray fleece pads, for extending the life of well-loved beds
3 high-mileage nylon leashes, red & pink & black and frayed
2 complicated harnesses, for longer walks and car-riding safety
2 small plush pups, possible surrogates for the real puppies never allowed
1 fuzzy treat-cocoon with 3 tiny stuffed elephants, weirdest damn thing ever
1 toy cooler with squeaker-cans of “Bark Beer”…because Happy Hour!
Large stack of small fleece throws, freshly folded for the last time
2 sets of food & water bowls, possibly missing those countless loving licks
2 “Deaf Dog” driveway signs, since “Selective Hearing” signs are not a thing
1 red velvet Christmas party dress, a size too small and rightfully despised
Costume “Bug Ears” headgear intended for child, also regrettable
3 thick fleece dog beds, strangely empty except for occasional ghost-dog
KEEPING FOR NOW:
1 Collar with nametag, always ready for a walk anytime / anywhere.
Victor Cummings is a poet, musician, storyteller, and recently finished a career in Special Education. He has lived in Portland and part-time in Manzanita for 22 years. Photo by Cathie Clifford.
