martin & kira

I’ve seen Martin and Kira out for walks before. Usually they aren’t moving very fast. Kira diligently combs through the scents on a small patch of grass taking her time as Martin waits patiently and the world moves around them in a typical hurry. Kira has arthritis and some days are better than others. Martin saved her from being shot some eight years ago when she was a pup, born into an unwanted litter. She is his third canine companion.

Martin is retired now but he spent his working years as a window builder. He says Basel has changed. He grew up on the edge of town towards the airport. The farms have been supplanted by big apartment buildings and the norm of greeting each other on the street has given way to anonymity and the smartphone walk.

I ask Martin for his best life advice. He tells me he’s not qualified to do that – except that it’s better to leave the drink and the smoke alone. He’s been sober for thirteen years. He suffered a stroke around that time. Most people don’t recover as well as he has. He credits the fact that he takes Kira out for three hours a day, as well as his years as a gymnast and soccer player for his strong recovery. In the morning and at lunch he decides where they go. In the evening Kira gets to choose the route and so she’s a bit confused when he pulls her towards the wall nearby that I suggest we use as a background for their picture together. After a few shots Kira realizes it’s going to be a minute and lowers herself laboriously to the pavement. She lets out a big exhale through her nose and smacks her lips twice.

[22] Thursday, June 3, 2021