Self Portrait with Moose #309 by Lisa Byrne 2009

For a moment.

There is no separation between us. We are two creatures enjoying each other. Face to face. Nose to nose. There is no evolutionary hierarchy. I no longer have a name. I am not a  human, a person, or a girl. My companion ceases  to be a word. He is not a dog, a pet, or a canine. He is the embodiment of sweetness and warmth. We both seek and find a moment of comfort. We share an intimacy of unusual depth and intensity. He licks my tears. He alerts me to things hidden in shadows. He shares my bed. There is only one other creature I am regularly in this close contact with. And at this moment, he is not here.

It’s just me, the pug and a video camera.