dog days of summer

time to turn to the happy. and nothing makes me smile more than to talk about my children. so I know you will indulge me as I stretch the family ties to share a few stories about M & J's child, my granddog, Watson.

now Watson is a character. he is as lovable as he is cute. a cross between a cocker spaniel and a golden retriever, this little bundle of energy is the apple of their (okay, our) eye. I told the kids when I first saw him that they should have named him Fabio - because the long wavy locks on his floppy ears remind me of that samson-ish hair on the cover of a romance novel. but as we've gotten to know this little darlin', his curious nature and investimagative (as his daddy likes to say) prowess makes the name suit him to a tee.

our darling M volunteered at a local rescue shelter. and that is where Watson was discovered. 'love at first sight' is an understatement. not sure who stole whose heart, but they were all goners from the get go! Watson has been through obedience training, agility training and now is in training as a therapy dog. as all grammies will attest, my granddog is quite gifted.

his talents do not end at being lovable. let me share a few of my favorites ...

1. Watson can imitate Tigger. he can leap from the floor onto the kitchen counter or dining room table in a single vertical bound. very handy when the table is set for Thanksgiving dinner.

2. Watson can turn a corner and still be in the same room. his body is long and lean and much like a slinky he can be in two rooms at once.

3. Watson knows how to get his way. when he first came home he was not allowed on the furniture. then he was only allowed on the furniture if he was sitting on you. now he is allowed anywhere he wants to be. and believe you me, we all clamor over who gets to snuggle with him.

4. Watson loves presents. and he is quite talented at opening gifts on Christmas and assorted birthdays. usually when given permission, but not always.

5. Watson is a good teacher. the love I see between parent and this furry child reassures me what loving, patient and adoring parents my kiddos will be.

'happiness is a warm puppy.'