Tayi Week 1 - Running Dog

    Over the course of human history, we have derived joy from pretty much everything. Throughout most of our past, dogs have been our companions. They would help us hunt and gather, and soon after their domestication, we have observed dogs as our friends. Unfortunately, domestication also enabled canines to become reliant on humans to be their protectors, and ultimately their caregivers.

    Since I was about thirteen, I had the opportunity to share my living space with one domesticated canine. We decided to name him Shiv. He was a handful at times- he was generally limited to the living room and my room because when we walked him, he would chase any moving object he laid his eyes on. This terrified me, especially since his main target was cars. His agility made it so much easier for him to leap right out in front of a moving vehicle before we could even bat an eye.

    About a year after his adoption, I was sitting in my room playing video games with my headphones blasting sound, when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was my aunt, who frantically got my attention and told me that Shiv has escaped through a wide-open gap in the sliding glass door. Ten minutes ago. I bolted out of my chair and ran down the stairs, wondering why someone didn’t get my attention sooner. My entire family ran outside and loaded into the car. My brother was upset, my mother had tears streaming down her face, and I, like my father, was too shocked to show any emotion.

    We drove for what seemed like hours, even though only five minutes had passed. Could Shiv have jumped in front of a car? Were we too late? Shortly after the five-minute mark, we arrived at a creek. There Shiv was, staring at us with beady eyes. My mom burst into tears of joy, and even I teared up a bit. This is proof that dogs can provide joy to one or many, and have provided joy to me and my family for what has seemed to be forever.