Co-Pilot

With the time change, it's light out when we leave for work.

Jimmy and Nora jump in the back and Blue sits in the front passenger seat.
Just like a person, he sits up straight.
I buckle him in.
Everyone is awake and alert.
They are excited to be going.

But when we leave work. it's dark.

In the back I have an old feather bed.
My sister was getting rid of it and thought my dogs would like it.
They do.
When we head home at night, Nora and Jimmy curl up and sleep while we head home.
and Blue?
Lately he's too worn out in the evening to sit up straight.
He sits in the passenger seat, buckled up but by the time I'm leaving the clinic parking lot
he's got his front feet down on the floor.
He rests his chin on the dashboard.
He's tired too, but stays awake.
He keeps his eyes on the road. He has to.
He's my co-pilot.