It seems like when I’m away from Luke is when I notice the most about him. When we are together it is easy and natural and I don’t notice how we interact much of the time. When I leave him for times like vacations, I notice dogs everywhere. And I notice that they are not my dog. They are all sweet and they are all adorable and I enjoy meeting and petting them, but there is always that “thing” missing. It reinforces that the right dog and I found each other because we know what the other is thinking without words, and mostly without even eye contact.
Today, though, I met another border collie who was tied outside a dog specialty shop. I was respectful of the border collie’s space because I know Luke would have wanted that, but I did say hello on the way inside. While looking around the store I heard the border collie talk the way Luke talks — it was amazing! Apparently the dog had waited long enough and came to tell its owner it was time to go. It stood nicely in the doorway and said what needed to be said in border collie speak, which is completely different from barking. On the way out, I witnessed the border collie digging in a nearby flower bed and chewing on wood chips. When ultimatums are ignored, destruction follows in their wake. I found the whole scenario totally entertaining because after knowing Luke I could understand what was happening throughout!