Oscar

For many years I’ve believed that I don’t much care for dogs. Upon reflection, and based upon recent experience, I’ve decided to change my thinking. It isn’t that I don’t like dogs. It’s that I don’t like having to take care of one.

When I was seven or eight my younger brother and I pestered our parents incessantly to get us a dog. Finally, our dad agreed, and we became the proud “owners” of a black cocker spaniel.

Our father, of course, turned out to be right. David and I were too young for the daily tending that our dog required, and Dad ended up taking care of her himself.

Of course, Dad reminded us often that we weren’t being responsible, which caused more than a little family friction.

Now one of our adult daughters is temporarily living with us, together with her dog Oscar. I actually like Oscar, possibly because he really seems to like me. I spent most of last weekend at home, and he followed me from room to room, sleeping on the floor close to wherever I was. Both of us are “long in the tooth”, and we both like to rest often.

So I’m here to report that you can, in fact, teach an old human (me) a new trick. Even as I’m writing this Oscar just came into my bedroom and lay down beside my bed. And now, I’m smiling and feel that not only do I like Oscar, but his companionship makes me happy.

In the interest of being completely honest, Daveen and my daughter are Oscar’s caretakers. I don’t feed him, so I’m kind of surprised that he likes spending so much time with me. Though I admit, I pet him often, and he seems to like that. As do I.

In conclusion, I can gladly share that I’m still young enough to be able to change old habits and learn a new trick or two.

At some point I may even take Oscar for a walk. All by myself.

Woof!

Alan