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
