We once had a cat that was astoundingly patient with the neighbor children. They were very young and absolutely fascinated with her. They'd come over when they spotted her and "pet" her - it resembled bouncing a ball more than what she was used to - and she'd sit and take it. Until she was fed up, at which point she'd leave, go back in the house through her pet door, and leave them alone. No scratching, ever.

Sometimes I take our dogs with us when I walk the kids up to the bus stop. There is a boy at the bus stop who loves our Akita/Collie mix Thor, only he calls Thor 'Fluffy'. It's awfully cute when he comes running over yelling 'Fluff! Fluff!" and hugs Thor relentlessly. Fortunately, Thor is a very laid back dog.

When I was around 3 or 4 I used to carry our cat around with his head encircled by my arm and his hind legs dragging on the ground. He'd put up with it until I let go, and then he'd go over and bite my 11 year old sister, as if to say, "Keep that kid away from me." Poor thing (the cat, although that describes my sister in this case, too). I made it up to him with loads of forbidden people food later on.

This results in his spending a lot of time begging me to come outside.

You can teach your dog an 'on your spot' command which gives them a place to rest as a job. Very good for leadership (you) and self-soothing skills. (dog)

But really, the needing to be with you thing is just instinct. As long as Bartleby doesn't trip me, we're cool.

The doggy lama appt. went well AFTER the 50lbs bulldozer plowed me square in the solar plexus. "Oh no. We're going to fix that right now." The owner had not mentioned that she is going through chemo. I'm especially glad to help her put the kibosh on that jumping thing. SO not okay.

I figure, a herding dog with a houseful of cats is going to lose so consistently that they'll give up herding that particular commodity. Herd the toys, Dude. They are less pointy and hurty.

Ted Stevens conceded! No more recounts! Don't let the door hitcha!

One of my friends wanted to have a birthing party. Her plan was that she'd call her friends as soon as she went into labor, and everyone would come to the birthing center and bring food and wine and have a party. We all thought this was kind of weird, but it was her third kid, so we figured she knew what she wanted by now. It turned out not happening, anyway -- she delivered the baby ten minutes after feeling her first contraction, two minutes after arriving at the birthing center.

I would have to be paid to be at a birth. seriously.

Ted Stevens conceded! No more recounts!

I guess the healing can begin now.

My boss just informed me that I may have to go to training. In Toronto. In February.

Now, Tom, it could be worse.

It could be Minneapolis.