“Money can buy you a fine dog. But only love can make him wag his tail.” – Kinky Friedman

There are some great little cut-through paths connecting the streets in our neighborhood that have become part of my regular walks with my dog. These little pathways are lined with tall landscaping and privacy fences, so we typically don’t get a glimpse of our neighbors’ yards. But for one particular house, we walk briefly along their driveway as we approach the gate to their fenced back yard. When we first started taking this route, we were met with a chorus of barking as these two large dogs sounded the alarm of trespassers in their space. Each day, I would respond by talking to them as we quickly walked by, telling them how happy I was to see them, how beautiful they were, and that they were doing a great job protecting their turf. Gradually, the barks became short-lived — and eventually grew silent.

Now, after several months, tails wag at the sight of us and when they recognize my voice from across the street. Now, wiggly, curly, slobbery puppies cram into the fence corner, pressing their faces into the bars, offering their heads for scratches. I sit on the curb and tell them how wonderful they look after a fresh grooming and ask about their days. After a few minutes, I wish them a good evening and tell them I’ll see them again soon. They get one last scratch, they sniff at Finnegan, and we head on our way. It’s the highlight of my walk.

But I noticed a new development yesterday afternoon: it seems they watch and wait for us now. They sit at the fence, looking in the direction of our daily route. And when we turn the corner and come into view, the tails immediately start wagging.

We’re friends now. I don’t know their names, but we’re friends and it makes me so happy.

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