It was a gorgeous low-90s heat-wave day yesterday and the entire teenage wasteland nation was scrambling for shade, like Burning Man at high noon.
There was this great dog that was sitting down next to me. Every now and then it would lift its head, close its eyes, and just sniff out whatever smoke trail was drifting within its vicinity. I was watching him do that for a few minutes before going over and talking to the dog’s owner.
“I just wanted to say you’ve got a great dog. I don’t know if you noticed, but she’s doing this cute thing where she closes her eyes, lifts her head up, and is able to sniff any smoke trail that comes next to her.”
And the dog’s owner said “Oh, that’s because she’s blind.”
And I felt like the biggest dick in the park.
But her owner was super nice and explained that she came down with glycomia when she was two and now five years later she’s still doing fine. She’s been able to survive in the city just relying on her other senses. That’s amazing. There’s such an onslaught of audio overload in the city, even on blocks where there isn’t any construction. And then you can go from that to secluded park life where it’s quiet and peaceful, then turn the corner and you’re on 19th Ave, which is basically a freeway with stoplights and bus stops. Being able to survive without your sight in this city is amazing.
Nice meeting you, Daredevil Dog.
You are by far the most unique soul that I met on 420.
The Outer Sunset 