dogs

Ben and I went to see "Marley and Me" last night. I finished reading the book a few weeks ago--it was one of the first ones I downloaded to my digital reader and, though I don't really consider myself a true dog lover, I rather enjoyed John Grogan's story. I thought Ben would like it, as well.

The basic idea of the book and movie is Grogan's account of having "the world's worst dog." Marley, a yellow Labrador, comes to the Grogan family as a puppy and is known to have a neurosis with thunder storms. He chews literally everything in sight, including a gold chain, sheet rock, and feather pillows. No matter what they do, i.e. training, getting him "fixed," they cannot get him under control. Grogan and his wife, Jenny, eventually have 3 kids and continue to love Marley--despite his crazy behavior--until he gets old and sick and dies.

Ben cried when they finally made the decision to put Marley down. It brought back memories of his dog, Peaches, who died, and forced him to look into the future to when our dog, Zeus, dies. I cried, too, mostly because it's super hard not to fall in love with Marley even though he is bad.

If you know me...or really, if you know my dog Zeus, you know that I sometimes think he is "the worlds worst dog," or the "devil dog." Some days I want to secretly let him run away (though I don't think he'd go very far). Some days I wish I never asked for a dog for Christmas. Some days he drives me so crazy, I threaten Ben that I'm going to get rid of him.
Other days, though (usually when Ben's home) I love little Zeus-man. Some days he'll cuddle with me on the couch or in bed and keep me warm. Some days he's a really good listener and obedient to my "sit, stay" and "drop it" commands. Some days, I think he senses I don't feel well or have had a bad day and he'll listen to me discuss my problems to myself and doesn't judge.

I may complain about him a lot, and don't get me wrong, there's a lot to complain about (he only chews on stuff when Ben's not home, he doesn't always "come" when I tell him, he eats food off my plate or counter--tonight he enjoyed a pancake from my stack--he licks my feet, the carpet, and pretty much anything he can get his tongue on, he jumps up on everone who comes to the door...you get the idea), but if you catch me on one of those good days, I sure do love my devil dog. I suppose we have a love/hate relationship (lately mostly hate), but he's a little pal & grows a little bit on me each day.