A Dog's Love

There is nothing like a dog's unconditional and undying devotion to make you feel loved.

Then, there's sick obsession.

Our dog, Semi, falls into the latter category. In fact, John often says we should have named him Brian after the family pet in Family Guy who is completely in love with and obsessed with Lois, dreaming of ways he can get rid of Peter.

Although I doubt Semi is plotting John's death, he does show signs that he may have a problem. Case in point: I left for the evening to pet sit our daughter's dog, Clyde, (she calls him my fur grandson and goes as far as calling me GiGi) and Semi plopped down in the entryway, staring at the elevator door, waiting for a return that wasn't going to happen any time soon.

Apparently, this is his spot whenever I am away for the night. Why he doesn't just enjoy a guy's night in, I'm not sure. You'd think those two would throw a party--watch some action films, drink beer out of a can, eat chips or Pop Tarts for dinner.

I do admit it makes me feel pretty special knowing this little guy pines away for me in my absence. But, it's a real pain when I'm home and am the only one who will do for walking, feeding, petting, and all other dog-care related duties. He absolutely will not go out to poop for anyone else when I am home. He'll humor them and pee a little, but then he's pulling on the leash to get back inside, back to me. I'll take him out 2 minutes later, and he has no problem leaving me a "present" or two. It's like he thinks he's doing me a favor, giving me something special.

I imagine he's thinking something like this: "Hey, baby, aren't you the lucky one? I left a little somethin' somethin' for you to scoop up. You're welcome."

Don't get me wrong, I love this little guy. We had a special bond from the first time I held him. He reached up and gave my face a little lick, and I instantly fell for him. I ran home from the neighbor's who rescued him and begged John to let me keep him, citing the kids' desire for a dog as the number one reason we should make him part of our family. The kids did indeed want a dog, but I was the one who wanted this dog.

I just connected with him, knew he was special. I can't explain that feeling I had when he stared at me with those big puppy dog eyes. But, I wasn't wrong. He has been an important part of our family for 14+ years now. Has he been a pain at times? Sure. But, so have my kids and my husband. You put up with a little pee or poop on the rug when you love someone, right? He has also been there with us through thick and thin, curling up on the couch with all of us when we were sick or recovering from surgeries, or when we were just sad. He is truly a loyal companion, a source of unconditional love. That's the reason I overlook the unnatural obsession. But, John, if I were you, I'd sleep with one eye open.

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