A coyote’s natural lifespan is similar to a dog’s; 10, 12, 15 years. Charlie is now a significant factor in my future plans. He is part of my life and will be taken into consideration in all my decision making; his needs will be taken into consideration in my decision making. It’s simply the way it is, and I don’t have any problem with that, though it does add complexity to everything.

I have no idea where the course of my life will take me; so far, it’s been so bizarre that I’ve stopped attempting to predict. I wouldn’t move Charlie into the city, obviously, and this is fine. It doesn’t seem like a sacrifice; it’s the facts of my life, and when I lived in the city I lived it to the max, and I don’t long for it (except for sushi). So, the only thing I can answer with certainty is that everything I will or may do will be done with Charlie in mind.