A beautiful thing

My son’s eight-month old English Bulldog likes to rest on my lap. He’s built like a tank and appropriately named Panzer. He’ll plop his weight down like he’s just come inside after tending a 200 acre farm and let out a deep sigh. His eyes will be heavy and his little tongue will stick out his mouth. Within a few minutes he’ll be fast asleep, snoring louder than a middle-aged man after a long day of work.

Oh the poor little guy.

It’s a beautiful thing. I love it for many reasons:

–As his heart goes up and down to its own beat, you can see the joy and happiness exude from every pore in his body.

–He smells. It’s a puppy smell, but it’s still a good smell. It smells of play and love.

–The sunset and the temperature outside take a dip, but little Panzer wrapped into a ball on my lap keeps me warm. He’s like a little furnace blowing out warm air. No cover for me. I’m nice and toasty. What’s more — he clings to me, making me feel loved and appreciated.

When our dog Nittany passed over the rainbow bridge last year this time, my wife and I thought we were through with dogs. Not-so-fast, according to Panzer. He’s taught us that there’s still plenty of love in our cold hearts. Just take one look at him. I dare you to look into Panzer’s eyes and say “no.” It’s impossible to do.

Of course, Panzer has a challenging side too. Oh, I can do without his furry coat and the hair he leaves behind. And let’s just say he can be a stubborn sort. You gotta keep him busy. Left to his own devices, who knows what’s going to happen. But, I’ll take him. Unfortunately though, Panzer is off to college with our son. He’ll hopefully be back with us later this summer.

In the meantime, be good buddy, appreciate all the treats that come your way, and have a doggy blast!