My husband’s powerful fingers settle into the back of the head, gently teasing the brain into total wakefulness. They travel down the spine, digging deliciously into either side of the back until they reach that region that motivates the body, mindlessly giving itself up to sensation, to turn over and invite more caresses, offer- ing up its most vulnerable areas in com- plete trust, without reservation. It is, I admit, an enviable way to wel-
come the day. I am, I admit, occasionally envious. Because I am talking, of course, about the dog. Anniversary, birthday, hol- iday, every day: Wee Willie Winky gets a morning massage before his walk in the park.
It took me years to soften my spouse
to the point where he would accept a dog in our household, already populated with cats. When I suspected that the time was just about right, I called friends at our local shelters to let them know what
(Above): Willie, in the arms of Loretta, a Hillsborough County Animal Control Officer. He was confiscated by Hillsborough County Animal Services (HCAS) where he was adopted.
I was looking for: a small dog who could travel, wasn’t inclined to be yappy and wouldn’t shed too, too much. The very next day, the call came: an alleged puppy mill runner from Alabama had been bust- ed selling six-week-old dogs out of the back of his pickup truck in the unforgiv- ing Florida sun. I took this precious, tired Shih Tzu home, cuddled on my lap. I walked into my husband’s office
and said, “Close your eyes and hold out your hands.” The puppy fit entirely into his palms.
46 THE NEW BARKER
www.TheNewBarker.com
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