Thursday, October 15, 2009

Lean On Me

Today was pleasant enough, weather-wise, that I did not wear socks when I went to the gym for my swim this morning. I have these sporty Mary Jane-type shoes (good for city walking) and since today did not require boots, I wore them instead.

The commute to the gym involves some Metro stations with multiple connections. This means that when the train arrives, packed full of people, often they all get off and I can even get a seat.

This morning I was standing on the platform at Novoslobodskaya (which is on the line that circles the city). The train pulled up and everyone, it seemed, poured off. I got on and, lo and behold, there was a seat, on the left, against the end of the car.

The reason there was an empty seat was because on the floor, in front of the seat, was the BIGGEST DOG I HAVE EVER SEEN.

I think it was a Neapolitan Mastiff.

The other passengers gave him sort of a wide berth, but he wasn't bothering anyone. He had his head on his paws and was sort of sleeping in that way that someone sleeps when they are on a train and constantly being disturbed.

I sat down next to him.

And he put his head on my feet.

I rode for three stops with his giant, warm dog head against the skin on the tops of my feet.

It was lovely.

I hope he was not late for work.

9 comments:

katbat said...

word is the dogs know the metro stops - where the dumps are etc, and can ride where they want to go -I wonder if they get a discount?

Tina in CT said...

Was this dog with someone? Wow, that is some ugly dog. It's face is sort of like a Sharpe.

My dog likes to climb on my feet when I'm sitting at the kitchen table.

Our high today is only in the 40's. The weather for the next few days will be like the end of Nov. here in CT.

The Expatresse said...

He seemed to be alone. he was wearing a yellow collar, but many street dogs have collars. He was thin, but not skinny.

Marco North said...

so have you ever been on the metro car that's been converted into an art gallery? walls are covered in paintings and they removed some seats. i think it's only the dark blue line - arbatskaya. it's a trip.

Elisabeth said...

That is the most awesome thing ever!! You should have asked if he wanted to go to the gym with you.

The Expatresse said...

I've been thinking about him all day. I should have invited him home with me.

Allison said...

Awww...those dogs with the droopy faces always look so sad. That makes them seem less scary in my book...until I read they were bread to disembowel horses!

They still look sad. Glad you had a good ride!

Love your blog and thanks for stopping by mine! I'm a follower now and can't wait to hear more!

Holly Nagel said...

What courage you had to sit next to the BIG DOG. Moreover, it was a lovely story. You're a delightful writer.

Amber Page Writes said...

That's so sweet...and totally weird. I love mastiffs. They're so ugly, they're adorable.

How on earth does a dog get on the metro? Alone?