Max
K and Max
Beyond velvet. His ears. They are the most soothing sense of touch I have ever known. Just running my hands along his golden lobes could cure any mood. It is amazing how things happen for a reason. We first got Max because we could not have children and then when the child amazingly arrived the dog served as comfort to a child with autism. Everyone talks about the unconditional love an animal has toward you, but there is also a secret understanding between the dog and this special child. They have a bond that is like brothers, even twins. Their brown eyes and golden locks melt you. They follow one another around the yard with no words at all, tracing one another's steps, they follow the same unmarked paths each time. Anyone who has ever met my son knows of Max the dog. Max is a part of everything my son does, says, draws, and writes. Even though Max is nearly 14 he still appears like a puppy at times. The tilt of his head when you have a treat or wave the leash. The intense circles he runs in when he smells spring. The "happy tail" assures us he is alive, aware and content. We know he loves us, but what is beyond that? Has he any clue to how much he means in our lives? When my son could not verbally express his feelings the dog would calm him. Does he know he is near his end? Does he know how lucky he was to have a large yard all his life to just be a dog. Even though he can no longer hear us, I am still drawn to his ears. They are the first thing I touch when I enter the room and see him. I trust he feels the same when I stroke them-that in his dog world he is at peace, and it is as good as it gets. I don't want his memory to fade and grief to take over, I need to keep it about his long enchanting life and not our loss. I plan to keep his tail wagging by caressing his ears until the end.