I was running late. I needed to get a move on. But my dog looked glum as I passed her on the way out. She’d been having a tough time lately, getting old. I figured I should give her some time. Okay, two minutes.
I got on the floor. Talked to her. Rubbed her neck. She seemed down. Ah, what the hell. How ‘bout a walk? Just a quick one. I got the leash. Her eyes got a light in them. She struggled to stand. She was up for it.
It was a nice day. We made it to the corner and instead of heading back, we kept going. One more block. It’s May and the greenery was looking good. My dog sniffed around and seemed happy for a change. A bird flew past and landed high in a tree.
I noticed.
It was a bright, unusual bird. There are plenty of birds on our street, mostly Robins, Grackles, House Finches, but this was different. It was a bird I try to see every year around this time, but sometimes I don’t.
What kind? That’s not the point. In any case, I’ve mentioned this bird’s name before, and done it a little too much. Anyone who’s familiar with the stories on this website might say: not again.
But it happened, this sighting. I had the passing thought that next time I walk the dog I should bring binoculars. Then I figured: no way. If I bring binoculars I probably won’t see anything. Better to just go with the flow.
Besides, this wasn’t about a bird. This was about a dog.
Heh, that’s a coincidence. I hadn’t checked the blog in a week or so, but this entry echoes my own birding-vs.-dog dilemma yesterday. It turned out similarly in some ways, differently in others. Same forces at work, though.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PasadenaAudubon/message/3290
I love this post! I’m big on trying to take notice of the “little things” in nature around you, and you’ve done just that! Also, as the former sister of a wonderful golden retriever that lived to be ~17, this really pulled at my heart strings. Thanks for the great post–I’ll keep reading for more!
That one got to me you bastard.
The dog needed you, the bird did not…..seeing the bird was a little bit of Karma for your kindness to the dog (unlike the usual kind where, no good deed will go unpunished).
Your dog has only a finite time to enjoy your company while, with any luck at all, you have loads of time to enjoy and explore the wonders of our feathered friends. Enough said…..
I bet it I know what it was.