When I was walking Wiggles yesterday she had stopped to sniff around some bushes and a woman came up behind us and said to me, “Aww, so cute. Don’t you just love dogs?”
I smiled and said, “Yes I do. More than most humans.”
She smiled back and replied, “I was just about to say that.“
That really says it all for me.
I’m a dog guy. I’ve always loved dogs.
As an adult, I got my first dog, Ziggy, within a few weeks of buying my first house. Before then, I had been living in pet-unfriendly Pittsburgh rentals where landlords forbade pets. I was so excited!
Ziggy changed my life forever. That was 25 years ago. I’m now on my 4th dog and have no intention of ever living without one.
With a single exception – my wife – I have loved each of my dogs more than I have loved any other human being. I have spent more time with my dogs than with any other human except my wife too. If I live long enough, eventually the time I spent with dogs will exceed the time I had with her too.
I’ve been reminiscing a lot since Snickers has been gone. I’ve also been spending more time and paying extra attention to Wiggles. We’re bonding even more now that it’s just the two of us.
I suspect I’ll probably get another dog to keep us company eventually, but there’s no rush.
As for people – they are alright. I have a few good, long-time friends. I’ve got some really kind neighbors. I’ve got light, casual acquaintances from the pool people, the grocery store lady, the dog walkers and others who I see regularly.
I like them all.
Just not as much as my dogs.
And I’m not ashamed to admit it.
After all, I’m a dog guy at heart.