Fine Young Animals

The image at the right was taken last night. Marley is holding the ball part of his toy in his front paws and is chewing on a rawhide wheel placed between the ball and plastic 1/2 bone. He is fully engaged and is clearly having a good time. Notice that he is in his "place" on the couch - on the blue towel.

On our walks around the neighborhood, Marley and I come across a number of dogs between 3 months and a year old. These dogs are all very excited, enthusiastic, and energetic. It's great to see Marley and these dogs greet each other. There's the little dance they do when they first encounter each other - a jump to the left, a jump to the right, a lunge forward. When Marley meets a dog he knows and particularly likes, he may add a jump turn, immediately presenting his rear end for the other dog to sniff. If we release the leashes to let the dogs play a little more freely, Marley sometimes jumps completely over the other dog.

The older dogs are often less interested or less excited when meeting Marley. The certainly don't do the dance. Some dogs completely ignore Marley. Some older dogs do play with Marley and their owners later tell me that they don't usually play with puppies.

Puppies get it right. They are so happy and excited to be alive. They're full of energy and want to know what things are, what is going on, what treats you have for them. I like the variety of dogs in the city - all sizes, colors, breeds, hair/fur lengths & styles. A healthy, happy dog is a joy to be around. Is there anything better than to be in the presence of these fine young animals, with their lively spirits?