Somehow, they seemed to know. It was Friday evening, and as I changed from my work clothes into more a comfortable attire I could wear around the house, my dogs Douglas, Lily, Lyric & Declan knew we were going to share some time together over the next few days. But, the exhuberance of the pack was not to be exceeded by the joy of their owners...

After all, we all share a common love for each other. Sure, there are times when they mess stuff up, or want to be taken out when we're sitting around & relaxing, or get in a tussle as to whom should have what chewie at a paticular time. But, I think there may have been a time or two when I, personally, didn't live up to the kind of person my dogs think I should have been.

I think we sometimes forget that although animals are here on earth to serve us, it's certainly NOT a one-way street. After all, responsibility is the uniform that we must wear even though ownership may be ours. All too often, we read or see that a dog, cat or other form of life has been mistreated or killed due to neglect oversight or mere human cruelty. But concerning at least the latter point, what other species on the face of God's ever-loving Earth is cruel to each other? In other words, if we're mean & despicable to each other, what's to stop us from venting our frustrations of darker feelings on poor defenseless animals? As I've referred to any member of the species that reads theses words, we're supposed to be the highest form of life on the planet. At times, a look at either your pets or mine could seemingkly dispute that fact. But, back to weekend fun...

After getting changed into my  "estate clothes" as my bride so loving refers to the attire I change into after work, my furry friends helped my prepare and eat my dinner. Funny but it sure does seem like I do all the preparing and they try to do all the eating! Anyway, we finished up and then I utter the three words that they were collectively waiting to hear, the words that can move them from restful dozing to a state of alertness in less than a second, the words that I'm sure all dogs, in every language around the world wait expectantly to hear: Let's go out! And so the festivities begin.

First, I kick a very deflated ball (it's around 10" or so if fully inflated) from one end of the yard to the other. Douglas, the Collie and only about 11 months old, races through the yard to get to the object of desire first. He sure can lope with the best of 'em! However, he;s dutifully chased by two of our Shelties, Lily and Declan, who romp and get unceremoniously bumped and jostled by the bigger, clumsier goliath named Douggie.

The ball's brought back to me by Douggie, is dropped at my feet and all await the next connection of my right foot to said ball that'll propel it to the other end of the yard so we can play our game all over agin. But where's the third dog, Lyric? There she is! Over by some railroad ties we use as a retaining wall she's nibbling at some strands of tasty grass that have garnered her undivided attention. (Note to self: see if dogs can be weaned off dog food & exist on grass clippings.) She's apparently totally contented and happy so the game with the other three dogs shall continue!

So, the game ensues, and eventually sticks and other toys in the yard are all used to our murual enjoyment. So let's get this straight-I come home from work, get changed and spend the next 10, 15 or 20 minutes with my dogs outside just playing and that's supposed to satisfy me?

You bettcha; wouldn't have it any other way, folks. And somehow I think these very same activities will be repeated but no worries-it's a way of life I simply wouldn't change.

Peace.