Rachel G.

Whose Human Are You?

This morning I saw Lipton, Gretl, and Freya. Today is Boxing Day and although most of the country is experiencing drastic snow and rain and cold, where we are it’s a balmy 78°F although somewhat overcast, so everyone is out for a walk.

It’s always wonderful when we have time for a chat and a pat. Lipton is an elderly daschund who is blind in one eye and his hips appear to be giving him problems again. But he’s eager to be out and about, sniffing around to see what’s new since yesterday. Gretl is an elderly yorkie who, according to her human, is very sad to have recently lost her brother. She’s walking slowly and stopping frequently, but at least she’s outside getting some exercise for her human. Freya is an energetic Portuguese Water Dog who loves to hang out of a second story window to observe those passing by. Obviously when she’s on the second floor we don’t have petting time, my arms can’t reach that far. But sometimes she’s on the walking path and I get to say hello up close.  She likes it when I  skritch her ears.

I find myself puzzled by how easily I remember their names but not the names of the human on the other end of the leash. Lipton’s person, for example, I have chatted with him repeatedly for years. He’s a wonderful man with a bright smile and a cheerful nature. His wife, whose name I don’t remember either, is equally lovely. But their names escape me. After five years and countless conversations I’m too embarrassed to ask again what their name is.  Gretl’s owner is another nice seeming human who shall forever be known as Gretl’s person. I’ve only met Freya’s person a couple of times. Actually she has two, a woman and a man. They always seem delighted to see me and we enjoy our conversations. After which I walk away remembering only the dog they belong to.

I’m tempted to fake some kind of injury or a strange reason to ask for their names. But I’m not convinced I’d remember. It’s easier to stick with the dogs.