8th & Massachetts is a glorious spot to work, especially with so many windows to see all the action outside. College kids and their indifference to the weather (shorts and flip-flops on 30 degree day), gangs of teenagers laughing and groping at their crushes, toddlers running away from their parents once sprung from their stroller, friends of all sorts, the local eccentrics – urging us to honk for hemp, flash a peace sign or just holding a full sized doll, and people who I haven’t seen in years.

I love working downtown.

But as much as I love watching the people (and yes, actual working does get in the way of doing this), I find that I am much more drawn to the dog watching. Big dogs dragging their people on leashes, small dogs carried in purses, dogs in outfits, obedience-schooled dogs sitting while waiting for the light to change, and even a few dogs without leashes or people. The diversity of what we call a dog is breathtaking.

I know my focus on the dogs on the other side of the windows has a lot to do with the lack of my dog waiting at home for us. Our dog Bear died last summer while we were traveling, a dog who I walked for over twelve years daily and who provided some of the best companionship available. I can’t tell you how much I still miss him. When walking downtown with Bear (who was black and long haired) we knew all of the spots where he could stop for a drink of water on a hot and humid Kansas day. So, as a tribute to Bear I plan to put a water bowl outside of Esquina when it gets warmer. I hope that happens soon.