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Monday, December 13, 2021

KODIAK

 


You almost died today.
Through my window, I saw you
stagger, then collapse
onto the snowy ground.
When I came out the door,
you lifted your head to me
and howled your wolfy howl,
then lay still, eyes closed, legs rigid,
as I comforted you.

In my striped pajamas,
hair every which-way,
I wandered the oceanside mansions,
seeking the vet to help you.
He was kind.
On a Sunday morning,
fresh from his coffee,
he came.
He said you'll live.

But I'll never forget
watching you crumple to earth,
victim of human fragility and error,
lifting your head, to howl
your mournful howl.

I'll never forget
how you almost died
today.


Kodiak is my neighbour's dog. He has had a hard life, has canine PTSD, but also the most joyous, loving heart, which I have watched blossom the year I've lived here, because I love him and he loves me. In a perfect world, he would be mine. But we all know this is not a perfect world. He comes to my door for a treat every morning.  I ruffle his fur and tell him what a good boy he is. As his owner leads him away, he looks back over his shoulder at me. It kills me, every time. Yesterday, he got into the neighbour's garbage: chicken bones, some clothlike material and, somehow, maybe off the counter, an ounce of pot. He was comatose all day, thankfully indoors, and not out in the snow. The vet came again, at 5 p.m., to give him an I.V.  By tomorrow, he hopefully will be more recovered. But watching him crumple onto the ground is an image seared into my head. One more wolf, who loves me, and whom I cannot save.

3 comments:

  1. To see a beloved creature suffering is worse than if it were happening to me, and I know you're the same way. It just stabs the heart. I am glad Kodiak will be all right. He is noble soul.

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  2. I saw him this morning. He is still very wobbly. The vet said any other dog would have died. I'm like you, it is worse than if it were happening to me. Poor boy.

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  3. This is so poignant, Sherry. I am hoping by now Kodiak is doing a little better. That must have been awful for you and for him. He is alive today because of you. He is a beautiful dog.

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