Hi friends! Just wanted to let you know that my essay “My Slobbery, Comforting Shadow” — about how our beloved family dog Murray helped me during a difficult time of my life — was recently published on the website Sweatpants and Coffee. You can read it here.
“Welcome home, honey,” my mom said, ushering me inside the front door of my childhood house. My dad followed close behind with my suitcases. As soon as we stepped through the door, we were greeted by a wriggling 82-pound bundle of brown-furred energy: our family dog, a boxer named Murray. I hadn’t seen him in five months, not since I had been home for Christmas. He yelped and barked with joy, leaping up to kiss my face, then running around the living room—his own version of welcoming me home.
“It’s good to be back,” I said, petting Murray’s head. He slobbered all over my hand, but I didn’t mind.
“I’m going to make you a sandwich,” my mom said, heading into the kitchen. “I can tell you haven’t been eating enough.”
I didn’t argue—I hadn’t really been eating or sleeping much the past month and a half, not since my engagement had quite suddenly but irrevocably unraveled….
Read the rest of the piece here: http://sweatpantsandcoffee.com/personal-essays-slobbery-comforting-shadow/
Day-By-Day Masterpiece 
Dallas, congratulations on having this piece published. The story was well written and very touching. Truly a heart breaking situation and so glad all is well now with Allyn by your side. I also enjoyed the article on your dad a couple weeks ago. That’s how I started reading your blog. I was a fellow streaker (4 1/2 years) and while I still keep up with how those streakers are doing, I am no longer one. I am back running again, but I have no desire nor need to do it every day. I greatly admire those that still do. Best to you and Murray, or. I think I’ve heard you call him Mur-dog 🐶
Thank you so much Tracy for these kind words, and for reading my blog! Yes, I feel very fortunate to have Allyn now, and to have Mr. Mur-dog too! 🙂 I’m glad you are still running and have found a good balance with not feeling pressure to run every single day. Sending much love and appreciation your way!
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