A Rescue Dog Dreams

A Rescue Dog Dreams

Ella Rose, boarded outdoors two years in Copemish, brought home from Manistee’s Homeward Bound Shelter.

Do you know that moment

just before sleep, eyes barely open,

in a twilight consciousness,

journeying toward rest,

perhaps to dream?

As we watch our dog,

Ella Rose,

so tired after a hard run

in the woods, she can barely

stay awake. Her eyes almost close.

We whisper to each other.

Even with our hushed voices,

she raises her head to stay

alert, a rescue dog’s vigilance.

We say, Shhhhhh. Let her rest!”

Such a precious experience,

to witness her last effort

before she feels safe to let go.

Soon deeply asleep, she dreams,

her nose twitches, full body quivers,

paws curve and tremble.

Can our affectionate Ella Rose,

who loves to snuggle,

be chasing a terrified rabbit

to snap its neck?

Or may we imagine

she’s dreaming the promise

of a treat after her Kibbles dinner,

a domesticated “Greenie” bone

she’ll toss in the air, tease,

then tear to shreds and devour

on our cozy flowered living room rug,

here in her homey refuge, yet fierce

as if she’s in the wild wild woods

where some rabbit, safe in its burrow

just now, is dreaming a reprieve

from fleeing for its life.

                                               —Louisa Loveridge Gallas