Leaves and Love

Dogs can really teach us a lot about life. Yes, I just said that. Cliche, I know. But it really is true. My dog, Lola, is an absolute lover who never holds a grudge. She doesn't mind when people don't like her. If another dog or person snips at her, she will stay still for about 5 seconds a bit perplexed. Then she'll lay a few wet kisses on them. When they turn away she kisses them some more, but they tend never to bark again. Rather than argue or yell, as we often do, she just goes in for some lovin. Most dogs sniff the rear to understand their new doggie friend, Lola on the other hand, will make-out and then if they don't play right away she'll smell the rear. It kinda makes you rethink those people you avoid talking to because of an abrasive first impression or a stern personality.

So many little things make her happy. Her favorite thing to do is stay still on the couch when I come home from work then,the second I sit down to take off my shoes she barrel hugs me and excitedly kisses me. She also loves to put a toy on your lap, asking to play tug or catch. If you are busy and don't respond, she doesn't care. She'll toss the toy in the air herself and chase it. Or she'll grab a bone and sit as close to you as possible no matter where you are and chomp away. She loves sleeping curled up in the small of your back, as close as possible. Then in the morning while waking up she lays her head on my tummy with the look of, Really, it's time to get up already? Sucker, I can lounge all day! Recently I learned she is a fan of America's Next Top Model. Well, the elimination portion of the show that is. She was walking around doing her thing for the entire show until elimination when she was standing 5 inches away from the screen attentively awaiting Tira's decision. She must not be into the drama, just who's going to be on top. But, her #1 all-time love: Leaves. She is a fanatic. The front yard of the funeral home near my house is covered in leaves. All I do is kick them around with my feet and she goes balistic. It never gets old and she will look up at you smiling as if to say in a hyper excited way, Oh my gosh, that was so amazing, did you see that yellow one, and then that orange one, and then when it flew on my head and then and then and then...Can you tell I love my pup?