I take my dog on walks in the morning and evening. He knows it. He loves it. And, let’s face it, he becomes a stalker when the time approaches, waiting for the moment I slip on my shoes.

He is a very emotional dog.

When I come home smelling like other animals, he sits with his back toward me and sighs heavily, but only after checking to be sure I see him ignoring me.

I guess, I’ve betrayed him or am not living up to the training he’s given me over the years. This is especially true when we are out walking. I don’t use a retractable leash but a standard 6 foot one. Usually, I reel it in so he can act like I’m holding him back. You know the type: big dog; vicious licker.

After all, his job is to sniff and mark his territory. He’s even gotten so he acts like he doesn’t mind that I pick up after him, or he looks forward to peeing there on a return trip. Either way, I dutifully stand by as he snuffles the grass and wait.

The system works for us until I stop paying attention and he starts to move. In which case, he steps on his leash and stops. When I notice, he gives me such a look of outrage. If he were human he’d be mumbling all the way home. Instead, he walks in the door and after receiving his treat, flops on the tile with great drama at his treatment.

He is a bit of a diva. But I love him. Soon, he’ll climb onto the hubbinator’s side of the bed and rest his weary bones.

Until next time!