I’m going to assume that everyone by now has seen one of the greatest canine tear jerkers ever created.  Of course, I’m talking about the video, “God made a dog.”  If you have yet to experience this masterpiece, stop reading this and go immediately to this link,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9wWHLdHroyQ

I’m sure every dog owner feels this way about their pet, but I would take license to attest that Lewis is different.  When God made that dog, he spent extra time and money.  He has a certain je ne sais quoi (that’s French for “helluva dog”).  Despite being deaf, he exhibits some pretty surprising attributes – some of which are on the good side of the ledger.  At other times, he can be a real pain in the….well, the den, kitchen, or wherever he happens to plop down that 140-lb. body.  And this is where Lewis reflects the essence of the video referenced earlier.  One of his favorite habits is to sit or lie next to your chair so you can pet him…FOR HOURS!

I used to think it was just another selfish habit on his part, but during one of these marathon petting sessions, I realized I could almost feel the stress roll down my arm, across his fur, and off his back.  Petting this creature probably does more for me than it does for him.  Yep, God made this dog.

I have to admit, I wake up every morning at an ungodly hour, anytime between 3-4 am.  Regardless of the time, Lewis, who sleeps in the kitchen (go figure), hops up and helps me start the day by…plopping belly up on the floor wanting to be petted, and brushed.  And brushed. And brushed.  He would lie there all day if he could, stopping only to eat (that kitchen theme again).  I think God made this dog.

By 5:00 am, he’s ready to play ball, literally.  I have to say though, for a less-than-svelte physique, he jumps and runs pretty well.  It’s a hoot to watch, because this four-year old still thinks he’s a puppy.  He runs a circuitous route, around the kitchen, out the door, across the deck, through the gate into the backyard, into the bushes, and back again.

Then comes my favorite game of the morning.  I call it bull in the ring after an old football drill.  He walks back into the kitchen and just stands there (not sure if the kitchen thing is his theme or mine, or both).  He stands there until he catches my eye.  Then he lowers his head and glares at me like a bull.  As soon as I crouch down, here he comes…like a bull.  His taurine impersonation doesn’t stop there.  He proceeds to ram me head on, then stands on my feet (ow) waiting for me, yes, to pet him.  God might have made this dog, but he’s got a touch of the devil in him!

Eccentricities we call such traits in humans, but this dog has taught me that pets have their peculiar personality traits as well.  A Labrador who would wrestle you in the floor, an Australian Shepherd who would put her paws over YOUR face during storms, and a Collie who didn’t take kindly to anyone disciplining the children.  I’ve had the distinct pleasure and great fortune to have shared life with all of them.  That’s the secret that pet owners know, that yes indeed, God made them all.

A sad footnote.  One of Lewis’ cousins crossed over the rainbow bridge this week.  Her name was Lily, a small Rat Terrier with a giant heart.  We will all miss her eccentricities.