Afterword

I was looking for someone who would understand me. I was looking for a friend. I had married and moved to America from Japan, but was struggling to express myself. I was struggling with language.

But then a puppy named Maru joined our family. He was born in America but he was the classic subdued Shiba; even at his happiest, he was careful not to wag his tail too much. Times were tough, but Maru was always with me, saying everything was going to be fine. Soon after, our son Issa was born. As Issa grew he began to take an interest in Maru, who did his best to keep the proper distance. But Issa liked Maru and soon took to following him through the house. Issa’s first word was not “mama”, but “Maru.” They soon became a pair, howling and playing like brothers. I was even a little jealous.

Maru and Issa have taught me an open and honest heart will relieve your burdens, and that there is a language you can express without words.

Photograph & Text by Sachiko Johnson

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