I was doing burpees on the patio.

Cheerio, the smallest dog I know

Had snuck behind me.

I thrusted my legs and launched

him and his yelps into the stratosphere.

He landed on the grass like a meteor.

Can dogs scowl and whimper simultaneously?

I dropped to my knees and begged

like he does when I pull out the treat drawer.

“I’m sorry pup, come here, Cheerio,”

I sang in an extra non-alpha tone.

He sat like a stuffed animal, eyes pasted

above the nob of his tiny black nose.

Two hours of nice it took to regain his trust.

I fell asleep as Cheerio licked my elbow.

This is a stock image to protect Cheerio’s privacy.