Junebug (Beagle Mix)

Junebug was a beagle mix with velvet ears, cloudy old eyes, and a nose that treated every walk like serious scientific research. Caroline found her at a rescue outside Knoxville, already grown and already certain the world was full of interesting smells. She was right. Junebug loved porch naps, peanut butter, and the exact patch of afternoon sun that crossed the living room floor at three o'clock. She disliked baths with moral clarity. When Caroline worked late, Junebug waited by the door, tail thumping once before the key even turned. In her final year, the walks became slow loops around the block, mostly stopping, sniffing, and considering. Caroline learned to stop hurrying. That may have been Junebug's last and best lesson: pay attention, keep close, and never underestimate a good patch of sun.