It was love at first sight. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen, but it was his gentle eyes and crooked smile that won my heart. We met in the park. A place I knew well. It was my garden in the city.

The sun rose early on this resplendent summer morn. The squirrels were scurrying about the wet grass, cheeks filled with sumptuous nuts. The birds sang loudly. Children had not yet arrived and swings sat motionless in the gentle breeze. I passed through a clearing of trees fragrant with sweet magnolias, when I saw him. He was blocking my path, and he was perfect.

Outwardly he looked like he had been on the run for days - disheveled and tired - still, he was tremendous. Strong, muscular, lean. He was Robson.

And he was lost. Not from around here. I offered my hand, my comfort and soon, my home. I knew our time together would not last, but I also knew my life would be richer for knowing him.

As time passed, we lived and loved unconditionally. Oh, he had his faults. He could be so stubborn, so vain, and insist on taking over the bed! But I loved him and he loved me. We were inseparable. A team, a partnership.

I ignored the nagging thoughts of his departure and savored the idea of eternity together. I wanted to hold him always. Have him near me always.

We walked every day through the park where we had met. It was our special time. But one day, after an hour of strolling, Robson became uneasy. Suddenly quiet and tense. And then, there was an unfamiliar silence between us all the way home.

It wasn’t long before he was melancholy after each of our walks. Finally, we decided to seek out the source of his sadness. The source that had stolen our bliss.

It was a crisp autumn morning. The sun fought through the branches of the trees to lure away the icy grass floor. It was too early for the children. Too cold for the squirrels.

We walked in silence for what seemed like a lifetime. On a quest, neither of us faltered. We simply proceeded, though my heart pounded with dread of what was to come.

As we approached the clearing where we had first met, Robson fled. Suddenly. Intently. I didn’t give chase. I knew. I continued calmly along the path until I emerged through the clearing. My soul ached with the most wonderful yet saddest feeling I had ever experienced. I had lost him.

She was beautiful. She had the same coloring, the brown, the black, the white spot speckling her hind leg. She twinkled the same deep brown eyes at me, and wore the same crooked smile as Robson. Her gentle face and long ears were meant for him.

It wouldn’t be long before another arrived to take them both away. Home. I heard the calls from beyond the trees.

Robson leapt and pounced and chased and rolled around the cold ground as she joined in. She was so happy to see him.

Then he came up to me, his muzzle under my chin. He rested his heavy paw on my thigh and sighed. I knew he could not stay with me. He had to choose his destiny.

I stroked his hair one last time, so soft and silky, so familiar. We saved our tears though my heart was breaking. I looked into his eyes once more and kissed his wet nose.

“Goodbye Robson” I said aloud, suddenly bringing the park to life. Realizing children were arriving. Swings were creaking. The icy grass was softening beneath my feet.

He stared with glassy eyes before turning. Then together, Robson and his mate fled toward calling voice. I could hear the merriment, but could not see the reunion. I sat in my garden in the city and allowed the tears to fall from my burning eyes. How selfless true love was.



© Melt Magazine 2001