This is Butler. They say I saved him. But, the truth of the matter is he saved me. It's his birth month, and he deserves lots of treats. I also thought his alpha dog status in my life deserved some reflection. Butler is the only dog I have ever owned, and this is why I love him.
- He is honest. He is afraid of storms. When the summer sky on Folly darkens and thunderbolts shake the marsh, Butler races to his favorite hiding place...under my bed. He unabashedly shows his feelings. I like that in dogs and humans.
- He loves treats and is not afraid to ask for one. Bubba, my neighbor who works at Locklear's on the pier, has a stash just for Butler. I think his best girl, Nancy, is really the one who stocks Butler's treats. I love it when we go for our walk-about and Butler strains on his leash to get to Bubba. When I finally let go, Butler takes off in a mad dash usually turning to look back at me...trailing far behind. I give him the go ahead, and he becomes a thoroughbred at the races. The only thing on his mind is the finish line and his daily treat. Thanks, Bubba and Nancy, for loving my dog.
- He seeks friends. Butler is beach dog to Camille and Colin, my neighbors from Charlotte. They have a cat, Boots, at home, but Butler is their beach dog. There are no adequate words to paint the picture of a dog and kids at play. They romp, run, jump, and wrestle with Butler. He begs relentlessly to visit; for dogs and kids are made for each other, you see. They buy him treats at the Pig on Folly Road. They gave him his monkey chew toy we call Bunky the Monkey. Butler knows how to work a crowd.
- He is a good student. Butler's latest report card from Dawg Tired and Cat Naps Too was an A+. He got high marks in dental hygiene and coat care. His ears were clean, and he was a good boy getting his nails trimmed. Kristen, his groomer, said that he was a little angel. Thanks, Gray, for making Butler love his outings at Dawg Tired.
- He loves his best friend, Tiny, the beagle. When I'm out of town, Butler goes for a spend-the-night party with Tiny and Brian and Sara. The first thing he does is bound up the stairs and hide under the bed. He loves to eat out of Tiny's bowl and sleep with Tiny at night. Tiny and Butler are happiest when they're on a golf cart ride around Folly. Butler appreciates good company.
- He knows how to wiggle his way into your heart. He has unbounded loves and licks for Amanda. Deep, majestic barks and bounding leaps announce her arrival. He merits lots of love in return and easily wins that spot on the sofa with his Pottery Barn throw. They're a team. What can I say?
- He has staying power. Butler has been with me since my last year as a teacher at Blythewood Middle School...seeing me through the roller coaster ride known as middle level education. I will never forget the day I met his second owner at the Publix parking lot at Trenholm Plaza on Forest Drive. I was there to look the little tike over. His owner arrived in a truck with the pound puppy positioned on the navigator's side all curled in a circle and wrapped in a beige towel. After a very long gaze, it went like this:
Me: No response. Long pause.
Man in Truck: Well, do you want him?
Me: No response.
Man in Truck: (Irritation in his voice) Well, do you want him?
Me: I'm thinking, I'm thinking. Another long pause.
Me: I really wanted a female............
Man in Truck: Well, I have to go. He'll never get over three pounds. My wife and I are just not dog people. Well, do you want him?
Me: (Long desperate pause) Okay, okay, okay, I'll do it.
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| Bunky the Monkey |
And that is how I came to meet my Butler. By the way, he may be have been immobilized when we first met...sitting so calmly on his beige towel, but the minute I put him in my car a Tasmanian devil was loosed upon the Earth. I like to think it was pure joy at his good luck. Girl meets dog and falls in love.
