Come Saturday morning
I’m goin’ away with my friend…
We’ll travel for miles in our Saturday smiles…
[Dory Previn]
My friend’s name is Toby. Here he is with his Saturday smile. I’ve learned a lot since he came to live with me. He learns simply from activities of daily living. When the phone rings, he jumps down from my lap because he’s learned that I’m going to get up to answer the call. If I go to the door with my keys, he runs to the car when he gets outside. If I have a letter in my hand, he leads the way to a mail box. I didn’t intentionally teach him any of that.
Who knows how a dog thinks? We often ascribe human characteristics to a pet because we interpret some behaviors as love or loyalty. I guess it doesn’t really matter. He brings out the best in me and rewards me with puppy kisses and Saturday smiles.
Knitting, writing and other joys 
I have been in love with dogs since I used to sit by the old Philco and listen to tales of the Yukon, Sergeant Preston and his faitful dog King. King was as much a part of that program as Trigger was for Roy Rogers. Mercy, my age is showing, but then that is what I like about a dog. They don’t care about the wrinkles, bulges and the old man’s slowed pace. My dog Muggy is going on 21 in real years, so we are enjoying our aging together. I do hope your Toby gives you as much joy. They are precious animals. REH