Humans seem to put a lot of emphasis on the past — as compared to all other living creatures in the world. We care a lot more about the present.
Yet, I do a lot of reflecting.
It was only about four months ago that I was lost and alone on the street. And then a friendly person took me to the animal shelter in a big truck with other dogs. I reflect often on how lucky I was that he came along.
And now I have a nice bed and plenty of food at Casa de Togo. I reflect often on how Momma and Daddy adopted me after having only known me for a few minutes.
I don’t remember what my real name is. The people at the shelter named me “Mia.” I reflect about how prophetic that was because that’s what everybody calls me now.
I love to walk. Daddy and I go out every morning. He needs the exercise and I need the thinking time. I’m sort of a semi-official patrol dog for the nearby university and for our neighborhood. I keep all creatures safe. The cats know me and sit very still as I walk by. I’ve even adopted one in our neighborhood. He comes to our yard every day to see me. He has only one ear. I’ve named him “Vincent.” And, every time I walk up our driveway toward our house, I reflect on how good it is to know where home is and to be there. And to know that Vincent feels at home here, too.1 He’s different, but that’s okay.
I have a shadowy past. Mommy and Daddy have found no evidence to solve the mystery of me. While they wonder where I came from, what my name was, who my original people were, and why I’m so wonderful, I’ve been slowly teaching them to focus on the present. I’m from here now, my name is “Mia,” they are my people, and, yes, I’m still wonderful.
And their questions have slowly gone away.
Vincent is healthy and well-fed. Daddy thinks that he lives at one of the houses nearby. But he’s my cat no matter what Daddy thinks. And he’ll always be welcome here.
Mia is a sweetheart😻
I like Mia.