Scooter

My family has only entertained cats in our lives, so through the years I've expressed my dog-loving tendencies to the canines of my friends. I'm a big fan of my best friend's dog, Champ, and while on the road for TOMS I was slightly obsessed with every dog I encountered - just ask Kelsey who made fun of me for taking pictures of these dogs on the company-issued Blackberry. Needless to say I love dogs though I have never owned one myself. So when it comes to hanging out with friends who have a dog I'm all about gaining the love and adoration of the pup. And if the dog somehow isn't fond of me from the beginning I certainly try to win him over with belly rubs and the occasional table scrap. Those moments with a dog help make up for all the years I've spent without "man's best friend".

Tonight was no different as more than once I was made feeling special from a huge dog named Scooter. A couple friends and I are sitting outside enjoying the night air from their apartment balcony with Scooter romping around and chewing on his rawhide bone. For some reason unknown to me Scooter decides to plop his front paws in my lap and proceed in climbing his way up to sitting with his full-body weight in my lap. With licking and sharp toenails attacking me from all sides I'm completely embracing the moment. I cradle Scooter until he decides to get up and explore some sound inside the apartment. Minutes later Scooter stops in front of my chair again, looks me in the eye, and hops right on up to his newly designated throne. He is one smart pup to know exactly which person would allow him full access to her lap and let him shed fur all over her black shirt. I never once complained or pushed him off of my lap, even by the third, fourth, and fifth time he came looking for attention. It was precious and sweet and I felt loved by a dog. Silly, I'm sure, but remember: it's the little things. So what made my night so grand? You guessed it. Mr. Scooter. The dog that for a few hours made me forget my woes of growing up dog-less and made me feel loved.