I believe in dog.

I believe in dog.

I’ve mentioned before how some days, just as I’m about to give up hope, something happens to restore my belief that somehow, a greater power than I is in control of things and actually gives a crap about me.

This morning I was near the end of my rope. Yesterday was a stressful day at work and school, and things were equally stressful at home. You know how it goes. Yet another day gone by that—when your head hits the pillow—you realize with dismay but not surprise that you didn’t do a single enjoyable thing, nor accomplish anything of note.

On the way to work today I felt like crying. Like giving up. Like not showing up at work, withdrawing all the cash from my savings account, and just disappearing.

I got to work early enough to allow a trip to Caribou. I decided that even though I’m trying to budget money for a home purchase this fall, if a $1.50 cup of dark roast is necessary to make the day bearable, then dammit: I’m having it.

There was a dog at Caribou, tied to a railing. He was a big, blonde lab of some kind; a huge dog, yet with that puppy look in his face. His tail wagged expectantly as I approached, and suddenly I was eight years old. I hugged him and kissed him, scratched him vigorously, and allowed him to lick my face. After purchasing my coffee, I did it again. I wanted to cry again, but from delight rather than despair.

This event doesn’t make the specter of my day any more rosy; I still have a full day of work to contend with, I have an evening at school, and I unfortunately have matters to patch up at home. However, hugging that dog—receiving for just a few moments the unconditional love and complete trust of another creature—at least took enough of the edge off that I’m no longer on the verge of tears.

Thanks, God—or dog, whoever—for that moment.

(P.S. This post was for Jules, who's been a bit quiet lately 'cuz I know she's dealing with some stress that makes my own seem trivial in comparison. I envy you, Jules, for having a big, loveable dog in your office that you can hug anytime you want and tell your problems to. Love you.)