PHOTOGRAPHY | PROMPT RESPONSE

Gunner, Happiness, and Me

November Six Word Photo Story Challenge: “Happiness”

Comforting presence — my heart’s joyful smile.

Nothing in life makes me happier than being with my dogs. Gunner is my little soldier, my protector of all things big and small. From bear, and deer to the mourning dove. Unless it’s fireworks — then all bets are off and he’s under my legs.

The joy I get watching Gunner play with the other dogs — we have three in our official pack and a Grandaugger, Kona, who often visits for a few months. Each dog’s personality stands out distinctly from the other.

Gunner plays hard and sleeps even harder. He was amazing with our chickens when we had our flock. But when he’s tired, he whines like a toddler.

He’s the sous chef of the kitchen, always right underneath — in case you drop something. He’s also right there to help you load the dishwasher — he doen’t care for unloading. Those dishes aren’t as tasty.

He eats everything — particularly things he is not supposed to. He’s gotten high from eating edibles. Once, he scrounged out of my daughter’s book bag at Christmas a few years ago — I ended up with him sitting in the bathtub all night since he was peeing on himself — and me.

Recently, Gunner and our other dog, Marley, gave us an incredible scare when they ate out of our compost bucket. Both started to present symptoms that were terrifying to witness in one dog, let alone two.

Compost poisoning is fatal — the toxins and molds can kill animals if ingested. Thankfully, ours have been sterilized, and there were no toxins or molds. What there was, however, was THC. We cook with THC, and it was still very much active.

Gunner, I have never been happier to hear you and Marley were only high! The continued happiness that we will share in the future together fills my heart with joy.

About Xine Segalas I am a devoted dog lover and memoirist who finds joy and inspiration in the antics and affection of her beloved canine companions. In my book Xine’s Pack of Strays and Others, I recount the myriad ways my dogs have colored my life with loyalty, hilarity, and endless surprises. My narratives are a tribute to the deep connection and shared joy found in the company of my four-legged friends.