She Still Wanted Her Person
Brian Armer
June had followed Ella into the bathroom, the laundry room and, once, a cupboard that neither of them had been expecting to enter. Personal space was not usually part of their arrangement.
But after their trail walk, June stopped on the doormat with one paw lifted. Ella knelt, and the dog pressed her head against her shoulder. When Ella reached toward the paw, June drew it back. Ella stopped her hand. June stayed.
That was the distinction. She wasn’t asking her person to leave. She was asking her not to touch that spot.
“All right,” Ella said softly. “I’m listening.” She sat beside the mat rather than leaning over her. June settled close, leaving the sore paw clear of Ella’s knees.
Ella had spoken with their veterinarian about the small scrape and the care she could use. When she’d first read the spray’s directions, she had noticed something that now mattered more than an impressive ingredient name: no rubbing.
I can put it where it needs to go without working it in. She had checked that before she needed it. Now she was glad the application didn’t ask June to tolerate a hand pressing against the tender spot.
Ella reached for Zombie’s AniSport Companion Gentle Wound Spray and used it as directed, keeping June from licking the area. Then she put the bottle away. No test walk to prove everything was better. No insistence that June offer the paw again. They could take their time.
June rested her chin on Ella’s knee. Outside, someone walked past with a dog that clearly had important news. Usually June would have had several things to add.
This time, she stayed where she was. Ella left her hand on the mat beside them, close enough to find and nowhere near the sore paw.
June covered it with her good one.
What small signals does your companion use to tell you what they need? You’re welcome to explore Zombie’s dog and K9 care. AniSport Spray is for external use on dogs and K9s only, not cats. Consult your veterinarian before use; bites, punctures, deep wounds or heavy bleeding need prompt veterinary attention.