A nighttime park sit

Foxy.jpg

Last night at 10pm, I walked Foxy the block to Jefferson Park.

Even in the dark by myself, I feel safe in the park. It’s the hub of the neighborhood, home to big family barbecues and outdoor movie nights and workout boot camps, and late at night is the only time I feel safe letting her run (because remember?).

When we showed up last night, three college boys were tossing a light-up Frisbee, which was terrifying to Foxy and she ran wide circles around them. Whenever the glowing disc would hit the ground close to her, she would bow, barking ferociously, but never get close enough to investigate.

Eventually, I sat down on the hillside and called her over to me, talking to her like she understood what I was saying. “Fox, that’s just a Frisbee. You’ve never seen one before! I know, it’s verrrrry scary.” She sat right beside me in the dark, following the saucer with her eyes, and l scratched her ears. As I continued to talk to her, she leaned her body into mine and nosed her way under my arm until she was completely encircled.

We sat there in the darkness, leaned up against each other, each taking comfort in the others’ presence, and I thought, “I am so thankful for this dog.” I may have gotten this pup from a rescue, but I’m learning that rescue runs both ways.

Foxy.jpg

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5 Comments

  1. Michael on June 22, 2014 at 10:40 AM

    Love…

  2. Julie deRosier-Paul on June 22, 2014 at 12:49 PM

    Oh, I remember :)

    I love that pupper too!

  3. Peg Achterman on June 22, 2014 at 2:29 PM

    Aren’t they the best? I’m glad you could be there for her and she can be there for you. I sometimes forget that Skye sometimes needs me to provide the hugs, just as she provides them for me.

  4. Greta on June 23, 2014 at 12:01 PM

    Gah! This makes me wish Foxy was coming along on the Big Trip (the sequel). But I know it’s best she doesn’t. Still: I love that you two ladies have each other.

  5. [not the] Best Blog Ever on June 23, 2014 at 1:41 PM

    She is the best. And you are a wonderful mommy.

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