Gentle Sage

For all of Sage's independence, she is also a pack dog.  She may walk ahead but then I will see her peeking around a corner just to make sure we are coming.  Or, it is Sage, posted at the back door, the sentry, waiting for an errant member of the pack to get home.  

Yesterday morning, while I was walking Murphy down stairs, Sage, who had already been out for our morning shuffle, came to the bottom of the staircase, then hopped up two stairs and started licking Murphy's ears and nose.  Perhaps Sage senses Murphy's fragility, her tentativeness on the legs.  More likely is Murphy had a smudge of last night's dinner on her that Sage wanted!  For what ever reason, Sage, who rolled, chewed, shoved, pushed Murphy when they were both younger, now seems vigilant in gentleness.  

Murphy responds to the kindness.  Even several months ago, Murph would turn away from Sage, but now, like coming down the stairs, Murphy stops and leans into the kissing.   

Murphy is the tribal elder and Sage shows her respect.

Murphy's day.