Flash!

This is fairly irrelevant but I'm sharing it anyway: I used to have an exceptional ability to identify dog breeds. Back in the day (my NYC, single, working girl days), I worked in pet book publishing and had to attend dog shows, pet trade shows, agility events and -- most of all -- I had to know my American Kennel Club dog breeds.

Most of that knowledge has since left my brain but I can still identify the obvious breeds -- pugs, poodles, westies, weimaraners, etc. And, of course, the lovable Golden Retriever.

Flash is a Golden Retriever and a wonderfully lovable one at that. She's not my dog (in fact, I don't really go for dogs. I've been attacked twice and have a hard time getting beyond that.); she's a neighbors dog. One who always seems to be out for a walk when I'm out for my run.

I like Flash. She doesn't bark. She doesn't jump up on me. When she sees me coming, she bounds over and gives me a little nudge, as if to say, "Hello!" I rub her head and say the same boring thing every time, "Hey there, Flash! Hey, good little puppy!" And then she moves on.

I like that. We have a nice little exchange and then we're done.

The problem is, Flash hasn't been around for months. She was at the doggie hospital and then she wasn't well enough to go outside and I just didn't see her for ages. I would see her owner out for his walks and he seemed a little glum not to have Flash with him.

Last night, though, she was back. I was about a mile into my slow, easy 4-miler when Flash bounded over to me, just like her old self! Her owner and I chatted for a minute and then we went on our way. Seeing Flash back in the 'hood put a little spring in my step and definitely gave my spirits a lift. I had missed her and didn't even realize it.

Welcome back, Flash. See you on the roads!

~ Felice