Home

I sit patiently at His feet. Looking at him expectantly; hoping He’ll give me permission to climb up on the couch next to Him. I give a small whine, trying to get His attention. While He seems to think it’s cute when I whine, He doesn’t like it when I whine too much. I shift a bit, wag my tail, and shake my head to rattle the tag on my collar.

I feel the collar around my neck. I’ve never had one before. My previous owners never felt I was worthy, and when they abandoned me to the streets, I was left adrift. I always hoped I’d find a new home. A place where I could feel warm, and safe, and loved.

As the years went on the hope of finding a real home diminished. My fur got grayer, the body that allowed me to run so fast, weaker. While I kept searching, I knew that with each passing day, the dream of finding someone who would ever want to bring me into their house, to love me and care for me, became impossible to find.

I had all but given up hope. Who could ever love an old dog like me? My fur, matted with years of neglect, stood little chance of ever returning to its’ full luster. My heart, hardened through years of loneliness, betrayal, and suffering, was too calloused to ever feel again. My soul, unclean and dirty from fending for myself all these years. Left to my own devices, I did many bad things. Who could ever love me? And so I gave up. I became comfortable with being a stray. Sleeping where I wanted. Peeing where I wanted. It became all I knew.

And then one day He found me. At first I was very scared of Him. All humans are scary after all. But though I was scared, I was also drawn to Him. He had a fierceness about Him that commanded respect; but also a tender side I could see He kept hidden from the world. He was fire and ice. He was the lightness and darkness. The sun and the moon. And for the first time in a very long time I wanted to howl. I wanted to howl for this man unlike any pup had ever howled before.

He took one look at me and let me into His heart and home. I’m not sure if it was pity that first attracted Him; but I could tell His feelings quickly turned to love for me. He washed the years of filth from my fur. He trimmed the fur that was too matted to brush. And He brushed my fur until it looked shinier then I’ve ever seen it.

He trained me. He started slow, letting me learn to trust again. He first taught me simple things, always being careful that He didn’t push me too far too fast. He knew I was fragile. He knew I was scared. Yet He also saw in me something I didn’t. He saw I could be a perfect pet with just the right amount of love, affection, and discipline.

As my love and trust for Him grew, so did His training. He was able to house train me. He was able to break old habits, and replace them with new healthier ones. He tore down my walls, exposing my fears, making me stronger and more confident. Most of all He kept me safe, and secure, and feeling loved.

The day He put his collar on me and truly claimed me for His own, was the happiest day in my life. At one point in my life I swore I’d never wear a collar. I was too strong, too independent. Now I can’t imaging a life without one. I can’t imagine a life with out Him.

His praise is endless. His discipline sharp and focused. After living my life in a world consisting of shades of gray, I’m now in a world that is black and white. I know my place, I know my purpose. I’m His pup now. Eternally devoted to keeping Him safe, protected, and happy.

I shake my head again, the “Daddy’s Good Boy” tag making a slight rattle, and I sniff at Him and whimper. This time He looks up from the book He’s reading and smiles His dazzling smile that makes my insides get all gooey. He sets his book down on the end table and pats the couch next to where He’s sitting.

I feel an overwhelming sense of joy and pride whenever this man, this beautiful man, whom I adore so much, gives me even the slightest bit of attention. I love Him. I live for Him. His praise is all I seek.

I jump up from the floor onto the couch next to Him and nuzzle into His neck, sniffing His unique scent. I cuddle into Him, bathing His face with my tongue. I even get some on His mouth before He turns away and laughs, “I gave you permission to sit on the couch, not kiss Me to death.”

He gently tugs on my collar, indicating I need to calm down, and I do. I roll over onto my side as He guides my head down onto His crotch. He runs His fingers through the fur on my head, scratching and playing with my ears while guiding my mouth. His other hand rubs my chest and tummy.

“Such a good boy”, He smiles.

I give a muffled bark back at Him, letting Him know I am His good boy. I am His. Forever.

And I’m home.