A Morning Salute

I pushed past the screen door once again to greet the morning breeze. Sitting upright on the top wooden step, I noticed a neighbor walking a small, fluffy dog on a leash along the sidewalk. The dog trotted past with lively little steps, its brass collar tag jingling softly. I held my posture steady and lifted one paw in a polite, gentle wave. The dog paused, tilted its head, and offered a friendly, low chirp before continuing along. Keeping a warm, reassuring watch over our entrance feels like the perfect start to the day.