A Dog Life

 Amazes me, it does, how this dog has altered my life. His needs have completely changed my routine, for the better.

He doesn’t bark, ignores the comings and goings outside my apartment door, hasn’t had an “accident” and hasn’t chewed on anything other than his dog toy. We have had a strong discussion regarding the trash can. Much to my surprise, he hasn’t touched it since.

Being a Lab, he is always interested in food and comes to the kitchen even if I am just getting a cup of coffee. The old cliché, “No five second rule when you have a two second dog”, certainly applies.

Riding in the back seat of the car is no problem and he seems to be content even after two or three hours. The seat in the Mighty Max is a little on the small side for the two of us but he copes. It is a challenge shifting with his head on my right thigh.

In this building there is a group of women, divorced or widowed, who gather in the common area each morning for coffee and gossip. They are middle school “mean girls” grown old. In the lobby area is another group who don’t get along with the “mean girls”. Both groups like the dog so we run a gauntlet going and coming.

In passing, I should mention the “mean girls” enjoy busting my balls at every opportunity. I enjoy giving it right back at them. Happily, I’m not married to any of them.

Life has a way of keeping you humble. I replaced my autistic son’s cell phone with a smart phone. I sent him the picture atop this post. His response, “Dad, you don’t have any hair”.

He likes his kennel and will retire to it at the end of the day. Companion  dog?

“You’re on your own Bubba. I’m done for the day”.