Golden fur tinged with tips of sunshine,
Chest heaving with continuous panting,
Chocolate orbs filled with mild concern,
Pink tongue lolled outside of her mouth.

I sit, a red painted porch beneath me,
Watching her happily gallop around.
She’s chasing after a rusty red rubber toy. It
bounces and rolls, yet she’s always able to catch it.
She sprints, kicking up dried grass, her paws flying.

A warm breeze swirls around us,
Humming throughout the trees, hints
Of summer barbecue smoke tingeing the air;
A clear blue sky untouched by fluffy clouds above us.

She pauses, muddy brown eyes
Turning to meet mine. Her ears perk, and
She trots over to where I’m sitting, a
Comfortable spot in the shade.

I laugh as her whiskers tickle my face,
Warm breaths puffing softly. She
Lets out a long whine, then
Curls up on the porch beside me.

A spare hand reaches out,
Stroking silky strands,
Resting upon her head. A
Smile graces my face as I
Think of the days ahead of us.

It’s an eternal summer,
forever spent between the two of us.
Me and Bailey.
Bailey and I.
And as I close my eyes...
It feels like bliss.