Lily and the Octopus

by Steven Rowley

Because dogs live in the present. Because dogs don’t hold grudges. Because dogs let go of all of their anger daily, hourly, and never let it fester. They absolve and forgive with each passing minute. Every turn of a corner is the opportunity for a clean slate. Every bounce of a ball brings joy and the promise of a fresh chase.

Tomorrow will be the first day that Lily never saw.

Dogs don’t live as long as people. In my head, I knew this. But to think that there would come a day when we would part was to take the joy out of a day we had together.