“…fills with “milky admiration” (from the poem “Dharma,” by Billy Collins. Read the whole poem here–it’s one of my favorites. It really speaks to dogs’ ability to live in the moment.).

So my heart filled with admiration for Gertie (and pride) when this happened:

In our basement family room, an old, heavy, red and navy comforter covers part of the sectional couch. Duke likes to scratch his back against the edge of the couch. (Or maybe he’s marking it with his scent? Gertie does it too.) Anyway, he also likes to burrow into the blankets and rearrange them with his paws, creating nests or tents. Well, one night he tried to create a tent, but he got overambitious and the whole heaping comforter flopped over him, so he was completely covered.

At first Tom and I thought he was enjoying it. Some alone time, maybe? But then he started thrashing around, trying to get out. The more he struggled, though, the worse he was stuck–like trick finger cuffs. Keep in mind that it would’ve been really dark under the comforter.

Meanwhile, Gertie watched from her spot in the wedge (see picture). She cocked her head

Gertie in Wedge, Duke on Couch

as Duke thrashed. She waited. When he continued to struggle, then whimpered, she hopped down and touched her nose to his (through the blanket), as if to say, “I’m right here. You’re going to be ok.” (Not to anthropomorphize too much, but it seemed to be a reassuring gesture as she sensed–smelled?–his panic.) Then she stepped directly on the corner of the comforter. So with Duke’s next effort, and Gertie pinning the blanket down, he was free.

How does your dog make you proud?