Freeze Frame

If I'm small enough, scoop me up and hold me. If I'm too large sit on the floor next to me. If you have several of me, sit on the floor and call us all over.

Now...

Pet me, caress me and look at me deeply. Remember the first time you saw me? Was I a tiny ball of fur or did we meet in a rescue or shelter? Or did you find me one day on a busy road, or did I find you?

Now...

Think back to the very FIRST thing I did that made you laugh? Was it a certain way I tilted my head? Or the way I nudge you with my paw or body. Was it you and I playing with a toy together or was it something unexpected, like the first time I caught sight of myself in a mirror?

Now...

Think back to a time when you remember of something traumatic between us. Maybe I was lost for a few days, or maybe I was very sick and you felt that it was my time to pass on. How did it feel when the crisis was passed and we were once again reunited in safety, or could breath a sigh of relief?

Now...

Think back to a time when you were very sad, or angry or depressed, and I cheered you up? Was there a time when your heart and soul were so dark, that nothing was able to penetrate the darkness except my warm fur next to you skin? Or a soft paw against your cheek? Maybe it was being able to hold me tight against you, while you let the tears come from your eyes. Did I help make you feel better?

Now...

Think back to a time when you were PROUD of me. Truly proud; something special just between our two hearts. Maybe I helped you find something? Maybe together we became a team and worked to win a contest or trial? Maybe we worked together for the sheer joy of being side by side? Maybe I saved a life or maybe I deflected someone from harming you. Maybe my mere presence made you safe and proud? Was it some new trick I learned? Or was it just a gradual clicking' of our souls into one?

Now...

When was the day that I truly had become a part of your soul? So much a part of you that even us being parted more than a day or two made us lonely for each other?

Now...

Are all these memories making you as contented, warm and happy as they are to me? I notice you hold me more tightly as you think of these things. Is that a small tear of happiness I see in your eye? I feel the same.

Now...

Lets for one-minute freeze frame this moment, this single moment. The feelings, the love, the uniqueness of our relationship. We will not have this forever, but we can have this moment over and over, while I am here. Here at your side or in your lap. Just call me to you and we can relive this often. I sure won't mind.As together we grow older and our lives change, we need to remember again, these times, like a living scrapbook. These quiet times of us together, remembering. Making little moments of freeze frames in our memories and hearts.

Warmly,
Your Special Pet

J.D. Ellis, rottweilerdriver@aol. 2003