on the way to raleigh, we stopped at a burlington gas station to use the bathroom and fill up on gas. as mom and grandpa were inside buying snacks and scratch offs, i took bagel out to use the bathroom and give him water. as we’re waiting outside the sequoia, a hispanic guy walks up from the hardee’s across the street. he smiles as he passes bagel. he says hi to me and pets bagel before going into the convenience store. he comes out before mom and grandpa and he has another interaction with bagel. he says he loves dogs and that he used to have a husky. during our whole exchange, we never once introduced ourselves to each other. he walks away and wishes us a good day. in the few moments before mom and grandpa came back to the car, i thought about how animals, specifically dogs, can bring people together. cesar said in one interview that dogs seem to make people more approachable, and i believe that to be true.
there are few things in life i believe we all can put our religious, political, and lifestyle differences aside through, and our love for animals is one of them.
-ratha, 3:19pm, 10.25.19