ANIMAL ATTITUDE

Sly, an enormous yellow lab, started out 

as a golden ball of fur with papers 

naming him Sylvester Buttercream. 

 

Sly is the name we call him, although 

there is nothing Sly about his intentions 

as he bounces across the room 

in search of wet, sloppy kisses. 

Grace is not his style as he spills 

more water than he drinks. 

 

Sly, an affectionate Labrador retriever, is 

my rival for Jim’s attention. 

Side by side they watch TV shows and 

violent videos together. 

Side by side and safe from my intrusion 

and subsequent allergic reaction. 

 

Sly, a constant presence in our lives, 

brings out the differences in our nature. 

As we leave an art exhibit in Maine, 

I talk of island scenes and splashes of color 

while he zeros in on a yellow lab 

we encounter in the museum parking lot. 

 

Susan Sullivan 

In memory of Sly (1987-1999)

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