I want a dog

Saturday, 4:25 pm

Feb

09

2008

Well, you knew that would pop up, sooner or later. I’ve been without a dog for only four months, but it feels like forever! I miss having a dog in the house. I miss the doggy kisses and thumping tail and the snorts and sneezes of excitement when I come in the door. I miss the head in my lap and the head butts when I’m not paying enough attention. I miss the snuggles and the liquid brown eyes. I miss the scampering and the mischief and the tongue flapping in the breeze.

Life is just not complete without a dog.

Don’t know what kind, don’t know where I’ll find one. I’m not sure whether to go with a pure bred or a mutt. I’ve had both and loved them equally.

I doubt if the perfect dog will walk up on the front porch and demand to be adopted. So, I’ll have to hunt for one. I can’t decide whether I want to start with a puppy or adopt an older dog. With a puppy, all of its later bad habits would be my fault. And, with a puppy, I’d know that none of its later bad habits would be the fault of abuse. But, going through puppy chewing and puppy terrible twos is a bit a trial. An adopted older dog is more settled. And perennially grateful. They never forget that life handed them a brand new start.

I think the dog would have to be short enough so that its nose couldn’t reach the counter tops. I also think a dainty eater rather than an industrial-strength hoover is preferable. And, of course, it needs a gentle temperament, but will bark if anyone comes to the door or doesn’t belong.

Abbie will surely consider never forgiving me if I bring another dog in the house. At least until her curiosity gets the better of her. She doesn’t exactly adore dogs, but she does seem to enjoy sitting at a distance, staring at them with her imperious cat gaze. Keeps a dog a little off balance, you know. Cats enjoy that. It might be advantageous for Abbie to have a puppy that she could have a hand in disciplining before it’s larger than she is. A well placed kitty paw across the nose is long remembered.

Well, spring is coming. Spring is a good time to bring a dog home. It’s easier to get to know the lay of the land without having to slog through piles of snow. Easier to establish boundaries and the proper place to “go” in the spring, too. I wish it was spring right now. I really want a dog.