She's my buddy. My little black shadow, sometimes just in front - to my side - slightly behind me (sometimes on the bed patiently waiting for me to stop working and take her for a run). I have had dogs before, but I've never fallen for such a dog's dog. You know, the type that picks up sticks on walks. A dog that runs outside with a new bone to promptly bury it and cover the evidence by pushing dirt around with her nose. I have never had a dog that swims, or lays in the snow creating a burrow with her paws. She often takes clothes and shoes outside when she misses us (or when we aren't looking), and she cries for us when we leave. She isn't the smartest dog.... but by far the most loyal and loving that I have ever seen. In fact, I've thought about perhaps paying a stranger to kick her around or mace her to prevent the abandonment with which she runs, tail wagging and tongue out, to strangers just to say hello and play-bow her introduction.
I was in Petco (where the pets go, apparently) and I noticed they were selling red laser pointers by the checkout stand. It touted "hours of fun for your dog or cat. And use it for meetings too!" Torture both man and animal with this thing! Steve and I have played with the laser pointer. Heck, who hasn't? Remember when they first came out? Watch out for your eyes - it will burn right through your retinas! Its entertaining at first to watch your dog chase it around the room. But when it begins to obsess about it - even when the red dot has clearly not been visible for... hours - there seems to be something cruel about such a devise. Don't get me wrong, its hilarious to play with this thing. Its like dog mind control. But I'm not sure its necessarily humane. Perhaps I should research and see what Cesar Millan thinks about it. I suppose that's why its so easy to fall in love with a dog. The innocence and pure ability to live in the moment (even if that moment involves searching mercilessly for a red dot). Steve and I have totally become "those people". Acting as though our dog is our child. But, I'm okay with that - any creature whose ultimate goals in life center around eating and cuddling deserves that type of love. But I'll admit, the montage of our pup... well, it could be a bit much. But, she is pretty darn cute.
