BOB

It was hard for me to get a good picture of him, but this is the stray dog who started hanging around our house on Labor Day. Britta started calling him Bob, and it seems to have stuck. Our county doesn't have a shelter; and if people have a problem with stray dogs, they are usually disposed of. But Bob has been so friendly, I didn't have the heart to let him be destroyed, even after he ripped the screens on both of our patio doors to shreds one night as he was begging to come in. Yesterday, Chase and I took him to a local vet to see if he has a microchip. He doesn't. We think he was probably abandoned. In the van, Chase kept asking, "Can Bob be OUR dog?" When we got home, I gave him a bath and let him hang around inside. He seems to be housetrained--another big plus. :)He reminds me a lot of my dog Kelsey (looks, not personality). We think he's maybe a beagle/springer spaniel mix. He's submissive to Kenji. It's been interesting to see their interaction. Kenji is definitely the alpha male, and he likes us, but he's laid back and doesn't seek a lot of affection and attention, though he appreciates it. But with Bob in the house, it seems as if he's saying, "That's MY family! Those are MY crumbs under the kids' chairs! That's MY water!" We're making sure to give him plenty of love too. Bob CRAVES affection and is very persistent. He trembles with excitement when we so much as look at him. His tail wags his whole body. So far, things have gone well. Glen told the kids it's up to me whether or not we keep him. I think it's probably yes. I think our friend Roberta would be proud. :)