Human Interest

What a wonderful story came with this picture. There was a house fire and the dog and her puppies were saved by this fireman. A reporter was on the scene and watched the dog stand looking at the fireman and after awhile she went over to him and gave him a big kiss. How smart animals are, especially our dogs and cats who really know how to use their brains. Friend Jo has a cat named Oscar who has to be a character and a half. She recently spent some vacation time in Alaska and left Oscar in very good care at her favorite animal 'hotel' where he got lots of attention. Her very first stop after she deplanes is to go and pick Oscar up and although he is very happy to see her, he manages to push all her buttons for the next few days letting her know he did not appreciate being left behind. She told me he gets even by playing with the blinds and making them play like a 'kitten on the keys' which drives her crazy.


Then there is Emma, Pat's dog, who is so smart about so many things but refuses to stop jumping up on people. It is a battle of wills at times as Emma is a big dog so it is no longer cute when she bounds like a derailed train in her wild greeting. Emma does try, but she gets so excited to see you that she forgets and here she comes, tail wagging, literally a smile on her face,all four paws off the ground and she is ready for her belly to be scratched or to give you a big kiss . . . she loves you. As Pat says, 'she's a puppy in training.' I am thinking, 'Emma knows as she rolls over, shows you her belly, and waits for more, more, more.'


My neighbor Jim takes his dogs for a run every day. Jim is in one of those scooter type chairs and he takes one dog at a time to have their run around the block. Kneehigh is a large brown dog who grew up in open spaces so he loves to run, the other is Skylar, a little black and white poodle dog, who is as sweet and docile as can be . . . but once on that leash and the open road, watch out and see her go. She is smart as when she tires out she just climbs on the base of the scooter and rides home.


I saw two ladies walking a couple of dogs from the animal shelter, something very nice to see, and so needed. I stopped to let them have the sidewalk and petted a big white dog who came to greet me. I told the young lady I couldn't handle the care of an animal anymore, as I just am too old now. I can't walk at much more than a snails pace and had to come to the realization that my 'animal' days are over. I have some beautiful memories of Bugsy the cat who rode dogs out of the back yard; Martini the cat who didn't want to share his owner and gave you a little nip to make sure you knew it. Tiny the dog who managed to have just enough puppies so each of my children 'owned' one and it was hell to pay when it came time for them to leave for their new homes. Our last dog was one Pat brought home just for a visit and you know how that goes.


So today, I hope you have an animal to love and take care of. One smart enough to appreciate you and push your buttons. Make your today a fun one as it is your Saturday morning to do as you please. Take a trip to the open market and buy some fresh fruit and vegetables. I've been eating garden greens and fresh caught salmon this week . . . aah, the life of Riley! If you were close I'd share. Hugs to all.