"Ozzzieeeeeeeeeee!"
I spin around ready to scold him.
I'm rubbing my forehead with one hand....and covering up my butt with the other hand.
Ozzie is looking up at me with devoted eyes, a dog grin and a tail wagging from side to side.
He looks like he's either thinking this is the way all mornings should start or it's time for breakfast.
I think it's the later...but then again.... who really understands male ecstasy?
Besides.... how do you teach a dog not to stick his cold wet nose in your private parts....when you bend over to get your clothes out of the dryer and your fresh from your shower and wearing only a robe?
Is it Bowwwwowow wow? or Bow wow wow wow Bow?
And how do you teach him that your butt is different from the poodle butt sashaying past him on the sidewalk?
I don't say a thing and just bend over to give him a big hug.
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He looks like he knows he's hit the jackpot.
Food, water, safety, warmth, a territory, walkies and an occasional good butt smell.
Dog heaven.
I've owned several dogs since I graduated from college....but I've never owned a smart, calm, non-goofy one till Ozzie.
My past canine friends were notorious for their quirkiness.
Buster the Beagle....a hole digging...incorrigible baying hound. I took him to obedience school. We won second place in the final trails. When we came home, ribbon in hand, he peed on the couch.
Minnie the Weimaraner. Dumber than a bag of hammers. Ate steel wool pads, stole food off the kitchen counter, and tried to dig into the floor during thunderstorms.
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Mike the Mealy. Not his fault. Abused puppy...forever submissive and showing us his wienie at the slightest provocation. Yell at someone to pick up their shoes.....there's Mike on his back...leg up...wienie exposed. Good boy....put your leg down.
With this type of history, it's rather amazing to say...."Go downstairs " and Ozzie walks down the stairs...or find your shoes still have mates in the morning or even calling down the street...."Ozzie come back" and HE DOES.
And yet...he is also strong and beautiful.... beautiful in the way...he is an animal.
60 pounds of muscles ....leaping over bushes and tree trunks....the bulk...the mass...the shine of his fur in the sunlight.. a healthy, fit, substantial animal.
When a large or powerful animal...turns to obey you....to follow you....it's thrilling and primal.
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Horses....hawks...elephants...when these animals pair with us....we feel stronger.
When a shaking chihuahua or hamster burrows in our arms....we become protective....even nurturing...it's a different set of feelings.
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I peek out of my office to see where Ozzie is right now....
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He is in the foyer on our first floor.... asleep on a small blanket I put there for him....his people are upstairs....our other pet, our deaf dog, who depends on him to be her protector...is blissfully asleep downstairs.
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He is in between and right by the front door...fully engaged in his doggy business....knowing where everyone and every other animal is in the house...and guarding the path which allows strangers into the house.
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You just gotta love a dog like that.......
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Goodnight Ozzie.....
