As a writer and a dog lover, I have always been fascinated by the ways in which dogs do or don’t bond with humans. They seem to make split decisions, they follow a complex series of emotions, smells, sounds and sight and instincts.

Watching the dogs come off of the big dog rescue truck in Brattleboro, I saw joyous sights of bonding and connection, squeals from people and from dogs. Bud and I didn’t bond until he crawled into my lap a few miles outside of Brattleboro.

Then we bonded, and our bonding has continued throughout the afternoon. Maria also is connected with Bud, he seems safe and at ease with her as well. I felt something special for this dog today, it is hard not to feel some emotions knowing what he has gone through in his young life.

Dogs suffer, people suffer, many far worse than Bud and certainly than me, but our ability to ease the suffering of dogs and other animals is  a major factor in the rise of the rescue movement the need for so many people to “rescue” a dog.

It brings us joy and happiness.

Certainly, something special is going on in terms of my short relationship with Bud, and I am sure there are storms and bumps ahead. None yet, it just feels like a love fest all a round.

I especially love the character in Bud’s face and his very calm and easy demeanor.