It’s a beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest. We keep the summers a secret up here because there truly is no better place to be on a summer day. The sun greets you early and lingers long enough for an evening of play. The temperature rises but stops before it begins to swelter, just at the point perfect for finding some water to play in. This weather is appreciated here because we don’t get it all the time. We ride out the winters, longing for these quiet summer days when everything seems right in the world.

On this day, as the temperature rose, I decided it was time to head to the lake for a swim, likely a paddle, and some writing. I had three writing deadlines this month, with two to complete. I planned on working on one for Mt. Baker Experience about a hiking adventure, so I loaded up Milly, the dog, in Fiji, the VW Van (in case you haven’t read A Wandering Mind yet), and cruised to the lake accompanied by Trampled by Turtles and Billy Strings coming through the radio. Upon arrival, I dove into the lake for a little swim. Milly waded, lapping up the cool lake water as she walked. I then sat down with my computer ready to write my article. I made it two sentences before looking down to see Milly at my feet, which spurred this inspiration.

There is something special about having a dog at your feet. Yes, I’m sure it’s comforting for them, and that’s why they do it, but it’s also their way of saying they are here for you, and they are ready to do whatever it is you want to do. She had accompanied me on my morning run, hung out in the lake with me, and was now ready to write with me. Whether our next plan is another dip or maybe a paddle, she will be up for whatever’s next. Yes, we feed them, house them, take them to the vet, and provide all the things they need, but there is no doubt that humans are getting the better end of this exchange.

Looking down at Milly, I realized just how much of my life has been spent with a dog at my feet. There were a few years in college when I didn’t live with a dog, but other than that, they have always been around, and three of them were attached to me. Bud, Hazel, and Milly have accompanied me through most of my life. Bud was there while I pretended to do homework growing up, Hazel was my office companion curled up under my desk on a nearby bed, and Milly has been by my feet for almost all my writing. She never complains about the clicking of my keyboard or missing out on time playing fetch. She just lies by my feet waiting for whatever comes next.