Riley, the Wolf Dog

Our neighbor has the most incredible dog. Understand, I am not a dog person. I’m not a cat person either. I’m just not completely at ease with animals except at a distance unlike my husband who had three dogs one at a time when he was growing up. They were all named Finnegan; Finnegan #1, Finnegan #2 and Finnegan #3. I guess his family felt that when you had a good thing, you may as well stick to it. Anyway, he loves all dogs and they love him. I love to stand back and watch.

The hosts of the party have a dog named Riley who is quite scary looking. (OK, I realize this photo does not do him justice.) When we first saw him he reminded us of a wolf. His face is fearsome enough to scare any burglar. And yet, if you look into his eyes you’d see the sweetest, most loving of hearts. At the party last night our granddaughter went over to Riley for a closer view. She’s very gentle with animals and other children even though she’s only 16 months old. When she neared him, I was surprised to see Riley cower and turn his head so that he wouldn’t have to look at her. Whenever KC came near, Riley would leave the room. At one point our neighbor gave KC a dog biscuit to give Riley. KC thought it was hers to eat but was not upset when Ed took it from her to demonstrate how to give it to Riley. A moment later, I saw Riley sitting there looking rather disconsolate with so many people roaming around his home. I had to walk over and pat him and murmur some encouraging words just as you would to a first day kindergartener. His wolfish eyes looked directly into mine and held them. I could actually clearly see kindness and friendship being communicated. It moved me as no other animal has. Like all my neighbors, I wish I had spent more time with him through the years.