I wrote this short essay while reflecting on my daughter Brynn’s first dog Dakota. Brynn sadly lost Kota last year. Kota was unique among dogs; she came into Brynn’s life broken in spirit and fearful, and she left this world knowing that she was loved beyond measure. Brynn was deeply devoted to Kota. I hope someday to be as worthy of a dog as Brynn was worthy of hers.
My dog will sit at bars and preside over the people; asking and helping answer the deepest philosophical questions troubling humanity. He will also sniff butts unapologetically. Though not a heavy drinker; should he be sick he will simply lap up the mess. He is a dog after all.
He is the great DOG, and he will be honored as a scholar, gentleman and at times of indiscretion, a scallywag! Nay, he will be worshipped as the one true DOG! All will bow. Or maybe bow-wow. He is a dog after all.
He will be fierce in battle and yet humble in person. He will be loyal to his own detriment, and know the minds of others. He will sniff out danger and defend his people with no thought to his own safety. He is a dog after all.
He will love truly unconditionally. He will love in the purest and most uncomplicated way. He is a dog after all.
He, like those of his kind, will know a person simply by their smell. Kind or conniving, loving or ill-willed; he will sense it. Our thoughts and persons are laid bare by our dogs. They know us. They are dogs after all.