Duke Dunek
My guess is that you thought my column in this issue would focus on COVID-19, or the 2020 election, or the racial tension that is gripping our country.
All are reasonable assumptions.
But in a world that seems to be spinning out of control, I want to talk about something positive.
One recent summer night when the violent clashes on the evening news were giving me a splitting headache, I decided to put the leash on my faithful friend Duke, and take him for our nightly stroll.
It was almost dark, with just a hint of silver-blue in the sky as the blackness was beginning to suffocate what remained of the light.
Crickets were in perfect harmony. And the fireflies were doing their nightly dance.
Duke was extraordinarily happy as we made our trek to find the perfect scent that would help him achieve his digestive goals. His tail was wagging at an Olympic world record pace.
He is an eleven-year-old rescue mix of hound and lab, and is the absolute star of our family.
Every morning he is greeted with the excitement of an awakening grandchild, as his kibble with a fried egg is being prepared by my wife Terri, carefully mixing in his medications that help his arthritis and overactive thyroid.
As a puppy he was an absolute terror, shredding every fabric in the house, and using our TV remote as a chew toy. I swear I was at Comcast once a week to get a replacement where they knew us on a first-name basis due to the frequent visits.
I know our time together grows short, and I cherish whatever remains.
It got me thinking about our lives and the lives on so many that have been turned upside down in the year 2020.
Perhaps we should focus on the good times, and strive to make what is lacking better for all of us. Respectfully acknowledging and accepting our differences and finding a peaceful and united solution to our problems.
My buddy Duke would approve—with a hearty wag of the tail.
