As they grew, I became their friend.
They buried their hands up to their wrists in my fur and pulled themselves up on unsteady legs, investigating my ears and squeezing my muscles. I loved everything about them, especially the touch of their clumsy fingers and thumbs. I would have defended them with my very life. I'd sneak into their beds, listening to their worries and secret dreams. Together we waited for the sound of your car in the driveway. There had been a time when you kept a photo of me in your wallet. But slowly, I went from being your dog to just the dog, and you deducted all the money you spent on me from your budget. Suddenly, you had a career opportunity in telecommunications in another city and you all moved to a third-story apartment that didn't allow pets.