Solovino (he came alone) unceremoniously inserted himself into the flow of our lives.
It rained early Friday morning. As I stepped out with dog and umbrella into the drizzly dawn, a frenetic pup joined our little pack, bumping against my calves and Lucy's torso as we made our way down the sidewalk. Returning home half an hour later, pup still bouncing against us, it was raining steadily.
I let Lucy into the yard, closed the gate behind us, and an unholy wail arose from the little animal. I looked back from the shelter of the porch at Solovino's skinny torso as he stood on hind legs, forelegs against the gate, and cried piteously. It occurred to me this was an opportunity to do right by another sentient being.
Solovino was soon on the porch with a bowl of kibble, which he inhaled before Lucy and I got inside. He grey eyes stared through the screen.
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My first flight today left before sunrise. In a few hours I arrive in Charleston, where I will attempt to suss out why the building and business I own with my ex is not selling. Lots of showings but no good offers after four months. I suspect it has to do with Diego's fear of letting go, that at 61 he will find himself without work and financially untethered from me.
He will pick me up at AFB and we'll lunch at Leyla Lebanese where I will hear his latest ideas for revamping the business and opinions on the neighborhood and its racial tensions. Later we will see his Day of the Dead altar at the Gibbes Museum. I know better than to dig in with demands or pointed questions. Tomorrow I will visit the Gothic Revival we renovated with salvaged architectural jewels and let intuition be my guide.
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Solovino's trajectory will play out without me this week. After the vet did not find a chip, photos were posted on lost pet sites, and my son, neighbor, and dog-friendly friends were enlisted in the search for a home or foster. This morning while I waited for my Uber in the dark, Solovino rolled and danced around Lucy, and my old dog responded with playful growls. Someone (else) will fall in love with him and give him a home.
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