how much is that doggy in the window

Some people are dog folks, some are cat people.  I've mentioned before on this blog that most of our friends and neighbors are the latter, though some have dogs, too.  We're probably best considered "dog" people, but we haven't had a dog since Obi-1 was a baby.  As much as I'd like a pet, it hasn't really fit into our lifestyle. :)

However, the boys are getting older and they are lobbying for a pet.  They have joined together to ask for a dog, cat, or dinosaur.  Mostly they'd like a dinosaur, but we've explained that those are sort of hard to find.  So, they wait and ask and wait some more.

In the meantime, Obi-2 has taken to pretending he's a puppy.  It's not constant, but it's been consistent over the past month.  From time to time, he'll just announce, "I'm a puppy!" and then all must address him as "puppy" instead of his given name.  He'll run around, wag his little hiney, and "arf" happily. He's not only a puppy at home, but also in his little preschool program, church, and sometimes the grocery store.

The beautiful thing is, he is a very obedient puppy.  Perhaps even more so than the 2-year-old boy who lives here!  I can simply say, "come here, sit, and stay," and he does right away.  He's been trained not to bark, and understands that no puppies are allowed in Mama & Daddy's bed.  He eats with a fork and spoon, and uses the bathroom (mostly) independently.  There is no water dish to trip over, no midnight walks in the rain, and no carrying little baggies every time we're outside.  

I'd say we have the best little pet ever.