I feel the warmth radiating from the blanket around me. I’ve been here too long, but I don’t want to leave your side. The outside wind enters through the slightly open window and touches my toes, but your affection keeps me warm. My eyes shut closed in a quick second, but in the next they open back up. I see your blissful brown eyes staring back at me. Your tongue is reaching for my cheek to show its appreciation of my love. I smile; you’re the same silly boy I fell in love with three years ago. My arm is tired from the back and forth movements, but it continues to travel through your soft white fluff. Belly rubs make you happy and I aim to keep it that way.

Your body moves and sways your right leg up in hopes that your belly will continue to be stroked with slow serene movements. Your mouth begins to relax as your front teeth start to show a joyful smile. Your ears twitch at the sound of moving cars in the outside world, yet your blissful brown eyes continue to stare back at me. I move my head forward in an easy-going effort to kiss your nose as you kiss mine. We are in our own little world.

My eyes close and think back: you saved me from myself – how can I not love you? From the first moment I saw you, I knew you would be my world. And so, as the night quickly moves on, our time moves slow: I give you my love and you give me yours. We are one: pupper and mama, cuddling on a cool October day.