It's Our Pets' World--We Just Rent Space In It

            We drove 380 miles for Rosie, a Maltese / Yorkie mix of irresistible cuddly softness.  She traveled well in my wife’s arms, and eyed me with interest as if to say, “Your driving needs improvement!”  I of course replied, “My driving needs reduction,” by stealing furtive adoring looks at her.  Well…and my wife.

            We journeyed only about one fourth as far to get Picabo, a pure Maltese who was equally cuddly and adorable, eleven years ago.  She also traveled well as a puppy in arms, and of course, my driving was much worse all those years ago.  These days, Picabo is still sweet and loveable—but thinks my driving stinks when I take her to the Vet.  She has had a few health events, including a bladder stone, so she is a seasoned people manager.

            Meanwhile, Rosie, who had no idea last Sunday, that she was going to get a person, is working on her management skills by practicing whines, growls, and howls.  These are tired days for us tenants!  Sometimes it feels like we have chosen to rent living space in a petting zoo.  I remarked to Picabo recently, “If I am so much smarter than you, how come you dictate so much of what I do?”  She had no patience for philosophy and answered by dragging me out the door on a leash.

            Craig, everybody’s Vet around here, just smiles and says, “I think your rent is going up!”