My Dog Is A Pretty Good Husband...

Being the owner of a chihuahua, I am basically involved in a serious relationship. Considering dog years, he's only a little older than me, in excellent health, and very good looking. He has endless energy (well, he gets a lot of sleep I discovered, after watching what he actually does all day) and loves to take walks with me. So really, that makes for a pretty good companion.

He is also very protective. If he were a big guy, he'd be dangerous, since he won't allow anyone to approach me, or he'll attack. Fortunately only a few ankles, knees, and fingers have been damaged so far. But even little chihuahua teeth hurt when they clamp down on skin and bone. I can't help feeling warmed by his actions though, knowing that he is trying to come between me and what he perceives as danger, not repairmen and dinner guests. I certainly never had a protector like that from my real (ex-)husband!

When it's bedtime, he runs up the stairs and although I have to lift him into bed, he cuddles next to me all night long. If I go to bed without him, he scratches at the door and cries til I get up and let him in. I'm sure some husbands out there act like that too, but none I ever had. He never snores, stays out all night, or complains about my stealing the covers.

It's nice to have someone who never argues about what to watch on TV, complains about what I've made for dinner, or what I'm wearing or not wearing out to a party. He's always glad to see me when I get home, never grouchy when he wakes up, and never needs a shave, haircut, or trip to the marriage counselor. He listens to anything I say. The only girl he chases is the cat, who loves it and chases him right back (of course they are the same size...for now...she is only a kitten.) And at 5 lbs, it's easy to take him anywhere I go: errands, trips, and exercising, and when we take walks he wears out before I do. (Having arthritis, it's rare that I find someone who can't keep up with me!)

I don't really think of my dear doggie as my spouse, of course. But I do see him as my companion. And why not? People come and go, get busy, or bored, but not dogs. After all, there is a reason they are man's...and certainly this woman's best friend.