A five day mountaintop reset with family and friends comes to an end today mostly because of my dog.

He’s in good hands but I miss his company and I’m returning a day early to surprise him.

Not sure my experience is healthy as he’s just a dog but I also hate when people say he’s just a dog when he represents so much more.

A warm little body who curls up against mine any chance he gets. The reassuring hug around my neck I never ask for but instinctively he knows when to give. The gaze into my eyes at random moments just to be sure I’m okay and that we’re good.

Dogs live solely to please us and care for us at times when human embrace is in short supply.

Yes, he’s just a dog but he’s a better human than most of humanity and sometimes we just need to return the favor.