Caption This 121

Walk with me
London, ON
April 2009
[Click to enlarge]

About this photo: This week's Thematic Photographic theme is "human". Please click here for more background.

I don't know where she came from. But as I walked to the nearby grocery store to pick up some fixins for the pantry, I almost bumped into her as she slowly matched her progress to her dog's. I smiled at both of them - dog owner thing, I guess - and watched them continue past me.

As I continued on my way, I couldn't stop thinking about this quiet, dignified lady in the beige hooded jacket and pink hat. At first glance - usually all she'd get from most passers-by - it seemed like a sad scene. But on further reflection, it really wasn't.

If dogs are indeed humankind's best friend, then I quite obviously had just witnessed a very simple-yet-powerful relationship in action. She took care of the dog despite her own challenges, and the dog reciprocated in kind by being her friend. We should all be so lucky to have such connectedness.

Your turn: The golden years. Please discuss.

About last week's photo of real estate brochure boxes: I took this photo because they were almost personified in their placement, bunched together against the cold, grey day. You were similarly moved by the moment, as evidenced by this week's Honorable Menschens:

• Linda: "A roof over our heads."
• Robin: "Free, to a good home."
• Terri: "Downsizing."
• Hilary: "Once again, Big Bird wins Monopoly with excess housing on Sesame Street's Boardwalk."
• Dana: "Gated community."

Martin takes it with "Shrunken housing market" which, in a great bit of timing, seems to sum up how so many of us are feeling these days. He hails from Manchester, England, and his photojournalist's soul is obvious in every picture he takes. His blog, Moments in time, is an absolute delight.