Sundance has been gone for four years, and the photo is 15 years old. But I still return to it. His 90-pound frame supine legs starfished sternum pointed straight at the ceiling head hanging off the dog bed onto the floor. This shelter-born German Shepherd so threatened by small dogs he might attack on sight utterly defenseless, utterly at ease. I want to feel safe enough to be that vulnerable. I want to make more places where anyone can take off their armor. I want the whole world to be that place. Impossible, I know. But just look at that big, beautiful, dangerous beast. Belly, heart, genitals exposed. Safe. Home.
If this resonates, I’d love to hear from you. A comment, a share, or even just a like goes a long way. Writing into the silence is its own practice, but knowing the work lands makes it easier to keep showing up.