Dukers

 

Just a gal and her dog, aye Dukey? 

Earlier today my dad and Lily spotted a coyote just outside of our property. Thankfully it wasn't a very big coyote, and it ran off right after being seen. 

Since it got so close to our house I thought it would be a good idea to sit down and remind Duke about his duties as our guard dog. But mostly to explain to him the essential role he plays in the Ruvalcaba family. 

I said, "Duke, a family is made up of people who give their love by making life at home a little more comfortable for one another."

"Sometimes there's the family clown who's charming, silly, and effortlessly lightens the mood. Then there's the caretaker, who is selfless and always giving. Some families have the neat one who keeps the home in order, the good listener who gives you a tight hug after a good cry, and the handyman who knows how to tackle even the most complicated projects." 

"Whatever our strengths may be, it's important we contribute them to our household." 

Duke shifted his weight from paw to paw and slowly blinked at me. 

"You, Doggy Duke," I paused "are the Reese Lane Protector. You're second in command to Poppy. You're his right hand man and it's your duty to patrol the property, look for signs of suspicious activity and to alert us when something seems awry." 

I continued, "Your roll is especially important during the day when Poppy and Mommy are at work, and at night when everyone is sleeping." 

I glanced down at Duke who was now resting his head in my lap. "Now, I'm not lecturing you, I hope you know that," I said as I stroked his head. "I'm just reminding you that we need you here Duke. We love you, and it would be awful for you to leave us again."

I thought back to that miserable week Duke went missing. I thought how maybe nobody really took the time to explain to Duke just how important he was to us. Maybe in being so distracted with our lives and daily routines, we'd forgotten to express to Duke that we cared about him. 

I remember promising myself that if he were to return, I would spend more time with him outside, I'd ask him how he was doing and what mischief he'd gotten into that day. I'd promised to sneak him inside whenever I got the chance, and to save the best dinner leftovers just for him. 

It wasn't until his absence, that I learned how much I loved him.  

I grabbed Duke's face and pressed it close to my nose in an eskimo kiss. "I love you Duke," I whispered. And for a moment I hugged him tight. 

Then getting up abruptly, I called out, "First one to the swing wins!" 

And just like that, I raced, side by side with my doggy Duke.