Cool Washington drizzle fell on the gravel as we walked, my mind elsewhere. The leash suddenly went taut as Louis spotted the dead squirrel and took it in his mouth. As the rain quickened, I considered the value of my bare surgeon hands in the mouth of the triumphant dog and ran toward home for some gardening gloves to help me free the ex-squirrel. The slick rock sent me down hard. Sure my leg was broken, I looked up at my dog. He dangled the squirrel tail over my face, concerned, then swallowed the stiff creature in three crunchy chomps.
Barbara Lazio is a writer who does neurosurgery. On a good day, she does brain surgery, then walks dogs with any of her three people. Find Barbara on Twitter @noodlesurg and on Instagram @Lazio.barbara.