He woke up feeling refreshed and alive. He felt an impending sense of urgency that he couldn’t define – he just knew he had to live a full life as quickly and as well as he could. He blinked, rubbed his hands together and jumped straight out of bed.

 

The morning light shone through the open window. He went toward it. He went outside and breathed the fresh air. The sun shining in his eyes felt like fire from a kaleidoscope. He breathed in the wondrous air and smells came from everywhere – flowers, a light scent of rain, and a cornucopia of foods. Longingly he followed the smell. He realized he was ravenous.

 

He arrived at a neighborhood picnic. He saw children playing, families enjoying the day. Oh! How he wished he could be a part of it a bit longer. But he knew his time was short – even now he could feel his strength ebbing away. He stopped to snack and visit several families – never staying at any one place for too long. He didn’t want anyone to see his sadness.

 

He decided to move on. His next stop was the dog park. This place was really special to him for lots of reasons. There was so much life here! And so many old friends to visit. Rex, Max, Mary and Dallas – he’d grown to love them in the short time he’d known them. They had given him so much support – literally saving his life. He remembered how he’d met his wife here and made love under a tree.

 

He began to feel hungry again. He bid a teary farewell to the park and went to visit some of his favorite restaurants. Old hamburger joints and places with outdoor patios were his favorite. He tried to sample some food there, but he found that he couldn’t eat any solid food. He threw up on a hamburger. He was so embarrassed, he quickly left the restaurant.

 

As the twilight began to fall, he found himself at his favorite place of all – the city dump. He was surrounded by trash, dirt, discarded baby diapers and the smell of rotting meat. He was happy. Gently he rubbed his wings together slowly, blinked his many eyes, and sighed. He would miss this place – this wondrous, delightful world – full of people and pets who unwittingly shared their food and waste with him. He was grateful.