The little brown doghuddled up against mebreathes deeplyknowing he is safe.

Crickets chirp outsidean owl hootsfrogs croakbut he sleeps through thissnoring on my lap.

His body is so warmwith each slow breath he heaveshis body pushes against mineand he knowsthat I am still with him.

But as my body stayswith the dogreassuring himthat all is well,my thoughts traveland I think back to ourfirst day together.

He barked at every neighborjumped on the tableate all our good foodchewed up the couch.No one understoodwhy we kept him.

But I do now.

His paws are tucked inhis snores are little whistleshe is deep in sleep.He is completely at easepeacefulbecause he knows I am with himholding himkeeping him safe and warm.

Where would this little brown dog bewithout me?And where would I bewithout him?

He stirs sleepilyand I hug him closehis head drops downresting in my lap.

And our breathing is nowsynchronized.

Like the chirpingof the crickets