Dogs

When I was three, our neighbor’s dog knocked me down and stole my graham cracker. I was traumatized and immediately developed a fear that all dogs were graham cracker grabbing monsters.

This phobia continued well into my middle age. “Cross the street, even in mid block, but don’t walk past a dog,” was my rule.

Somewhere along the way, I realized that this behavior needed serious modification. I started making friends with dogs. Dog guests are welcome visitors at our house now. The first dog visitor came alone. Late one afternoon, I heard a persistent scratching at the front door. Going to see who was there, I saw a large, white dog with a big doggy smile enthusiastically pawing the glass.

I went outside on the porch and asked him to sit. He did. Then he shook paws and gave me some dog kisses. Had the pet goddess sent me the perfect dog?

Our local radio station and constable helped us find the dog’s owners. This lovely dog, a Samoyed, had been stolen from his yard, fourteen miles from our house. How he ended up on our front porch will remain a mystery.

Quill is our favorite dog visitor. After flunking out of guide dog class for chasing a porcupine, Quill was adopted by a good friend of ours. Quill loves coming to our country house and even tries to help her lady with the 70 mile drive. “Back seat” and “Stay” are difficult concepts, but Quill is learning.

The Tooley cats have let us know quite emphatically that they are not in favor of us acquiring a Tooley dog. However, our son and his family in San Diego have a great Tooley dog. Her name is Della, and she choose to live at our son’s house. She started out to be the neighbor’s dog who came over to visit. But one day, she just forgot to ever go home again.

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1 thought on “Dogs”

  1. I have adopted a dog myself not so long ago. She is a German Sheperd/Old English Sheepdog mix, so you can imagine the size and the furriness… he he! She will be 4 months old on Sunday. She is not as well behaved as my previous dog (a female Rottweiler), but I think she is learning, at least I hope she is…
    Love,
    M

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