Why your dog seems to be laughing

Published 6:40 pm Thursday, May 10, 2007

By Staff
Where oh where has my underwear gone?
Oh where, oh where can it be?
It's not on the floor or in the hamper.
I know it's where I can't see.
Thus goes the lament of a dog owner! And not just under wear – socks, shoes, ties, anything that smells like us!
The She-Dog, once a cuddly little bundle of black and brown is now (at five months) tall and weighs about 40 pounds. She likes to chew. She's also a thief!
And by the time we find the article of clothing (especially underwear and socks), it is usually chewed beyond wear or repair.
So much for the underwear!
Good-bye socks!
We've always had dogs that like to grab clothing.
Peanut, our very first dog (a black and tan coon hound), proudly pranced into the circle of guests with bras, panties and girdles!
She knew how to open the clothes hamper and extract specially selected articles and show them to our friends.
Bogart, my "snoodle," liked raiding the suitcases of houseguests and chewed the ladies' panties.
Often, Buster, our boxer-mix, would get underwear stuck on his head, and blinded by the briefs and panties, he would bump into walls and fall down stairs.
And now, the newest canine member of our family carries on the tradition.
Our granddaughters are nearly without any pairs of socks. And even the ones that haven't been chewed don't match.
I'm waiting for our under clothing to appear on our front porch before God and everyone!
I'll be sure to let you all know about anything other than the flag that appears on the pole on the front of our house!
Belts, shoestrings, pencils, remote controls, slippers, everything is at risk.
And we give her ample chews acceptable for dogs – still, the human property smells best.
But it only takes one look of those watery brown eyes, and we melt! All is forgiven and we head for the store to buy replacements.
Oh, by the way – the two naps have come to a halt. The young one is too big for the bed!
Besides that, she snores and drools! And barks during her dreams.
I wonder if the Queen has ever dealt with Corgi problems like this? Can't you just see the royal canines running helter skelter through the palace with the royal bra in tow?
I'm sure many a footman or maid has given chase to the swift-footed pets.
Animals have a wonderful way of reminding us that life is more than human problems and drama. A cat-on-the-lap is a must-have for reading or afternoon napping. A wet lick on the face cheers old and young.
A bark requesting a game of catch is refreshing. The loyalty of the family animals after a long and difficult day at the office sets everything right again.
And the presence of my little Westie beside me when I watch the evening news is priceless.
So, I really don't care where my underwear is. I'll wear whatever articles I can find in my sock and under wear drawers. The important thing is our animals are here and they are loved and they love us – even if they have just devoured panties and socks! Now I understand animal smiles!