Companions

This week’s picture choice is from Charles Deluvio at Unsplash.
Sadje invites our thoughts on a cute little pug wearing a sweater and glasses.

For the visually challenged reader, the image shows a dog dressed in a woolen sweater and wearing round wire-rimmed glasses, staring seriously at the camera.

Sally saw the ad in the local paper for a Companion Consultation and feeling at her lowest, thought she’d give it a try.
On arrival, she was told to enter the room at the end of the hall and make herself comfortable. The Companion was already there to listen when she was ready to talk.
The room was cosy and inviting, but The Companion facing her was not what Sally expected, and she almost turned tail and ran.
The jumper was a neat touch, but it was the glasses that mesmerised and made her look almost human. So much so that Sally found herself beginning to talk and The Companion cocked her head listening to every word.
The more Sally spoke, the easier it became. It felt like she was having a conversation with a beloved aunt, someone who wouldn’t criticize or judge her.
At the end of her session, she felt lighter in her heart than she had for months, and wondered what she did next. Pat the dog on the head, or just walk out?
The door behind her opened and a woman came in.
The dog got off the chair and padded across to her.
Sally looked up into a warm and friendly smile and said
‘You were listening weren’t you.’
‘Yes’, came the reply. ‘Companion dogs are wonderful in so many ways. This is Ella, and she has this way of making people relax. Sometimes we come in and take over the reins sotospeak, but you seemed so at ease with her, we let things ride. How do you feel?’
‘Unburdened…..’ Sally said.