the neighbor’s dogs

didn’t want it

our golden retriever

didn’t either

but every night

our chocolate lab

carries it off the deck

brown and half-deflated

faded from the sun

it enjoys the ride

out into the yard

Koda’s ears perk up

his stance, square and at the ready

something snaps in the woods

he shakes his head

and growls with enthusiasm

the basketball shakes to and fro

it’s a good feeling

to be needed