The dog adds necessary noise to our home,

the clink of her collar,

the squeak of a pink tennis ball,

paws scuffling on wooden floors,

playful growls,

sincere barks,

the peaceful snores that accompany

puppy dreams.

 

She vacuums up her dinner.

She gnaws on her chew bone.

She whines for more tummy rubs.

She clanks her paw against

the bars of her crate.

 

Her presence is a comfort to us.

We are not alone in this fragile love.