I have long thought of Labor Day as marking the end of summer and the start of school. Leaves are starting to change color, marking fewer hours of daylight and the anticipation of crisp autumn days, hills ablaze with hues of red, orange, and gold. It’s a beautiful time to be in New England.
For James, he’s happy to have these cooler days coming on. The humidity of the summer has been tough on him as a senior dog. Tough on Annie and Lily, too. Although, today’s Labor Day is overcast and rainy, James was ready bright and early for his morning walk with me. Something we both cherish. It is such a delight to watch him trot out ahead of me on his lead, his head held high, tail wagging, a smile on his face.
For me, on this Labor Day, I am thankful that James, almost 13 years old, is at my side, nudging my arm to hurry up and get going, while I sip my morning coffee and read my latest book in the wee hours of the morning. We don’t miss a day, James and I – rain or shine. As long as he wants to keep going, I will be there with him for our special early morning walks together.