Dogs

Those four-legged creatures that roam around our livingrooms, backyards, and hearts.  You almost have to love them.  Every one of them have their own personality.  Our current dog, Shade, is a demanding mid-sized mixed Lab that loves to play bite, go for walks, and generally drive my wife nuts.  He's a sweet dog who gives out greetings and admiration every time any one of us walk through the door.  He's there.  I think that's why humans like them so much.  At the end of a long and frustrating day, when you walk through that front door, they know.  A happy tail-wagging bundle of fur is coming their way.  They are always genuinely glad to see you.

The problems with Shade is that he gets too excited, jumps up on people (always in the vein of greeting them), loves to lick, chew, and above all else -- play bite.  Shade would play wrestle with my son all day long.  They run around the house giggling and growling and having a great old time.  No matter how many times my wife tells them to stop:  They can't seem to help but to keep going.  It's fun.

My wife is home a lot and as such, Shade expects her to entertain him.  Never mind that my wife has things to do.  She's part of the "pack" and that should be enough.  He whines and nudges her.  If that doesn't work, he goes into cat mode.  Tossing bottle caps, balls, and toys into the air and pouncing on them when they tumbled and bounced around.  It's very amusing.


I've had dogs around me for most of my life.  They've come in many different sizes.  Had personality quirks that can drive you crazy or create a bond that endures.  I wouldn't have it any other way.