From time to time, I make a mistake. Last post, I didn’t properly write that my sister is Biscuit’s mother. So, now you know. I am not perfect.

If you have trouble sending any comments to me, I would suggest that instead of sending them via the channels that are full of AI influence, send comments directly to onelightsource@comcast. net

Biscuit and I

Snow!! It feels so good to be running free on the snow-over-ice lake, to bark-bark-bark, to jump high and spin around for show. Many of our close relatives are champions in agility, if you know what that means. I don’t but I can guess. I think it’s when we show off and jump through hoops. I’ve taught Biscuit how to bark loud to demonstrate joy. That’s a lot more fun since it’s on our own terms. Sometimes, our paws get cold or filled with ice so we let you know we want to go home by whimpering just a little. Never a lot. That doesn’t befit sophisticated dogs like me, and one day, like Biscuit.

Can you tell who’s who in the photograph above? I’ll give you a hint. You can see Biscuit’s nose, but not mine. I am always on the lookout for danger. Biscuit loses himself in his own excitement and is oblivious to danger. He is still a little naïve. He even chases cars. Biscuit and I look a lot alike, but I am sleeker and more elegant; whereas Biscuit… (I have to keep reminding you I have a very large vocabulary. I like to use words like “whereas.”)… is very fluffy and likes to roll over on his back and show everything private to others like you and Dad and sometimes other humans. Biscuit doesn’t fully understand that rolling on your back leaves you vulnerable to potential predators. Full exposure is not my style. You would rarely catch me on my back in front of other animals or humans. Humphfh! Very undignified.

It doesn’t matter, because I will tell you anyway, just because it’s important to let others know when you love them, that Biscuit is the best companion ever! Since today is so close to Valentine’s Day, I thought I should just woof it in writing. Besides. I think you can tell from the above photograph that we get very silly together and I can only do this with other spirits like me. Sometimes you shout at us, “STOP BARKING! YOU’RE HURTING MY EARS!” But we can’t help doing what comes naturally to sheepdogs, namely barking like mad.

Biscuit Disguised as a Snowflake

So now that I’ve admitted to you how much I love Biscuit, I should tell you why. For one thing, he is related to me. He’s my nephew. That means his sister was lucky from the moment her little son padded through our door because I watch out for him very well. For example, we went to a dog park a few weeks ago, and there were some ill-mannered woofers there whose humans acted like they had come from another planet. These bad woofers were chasing Biscuit around and Biscuit didn’t fully understand that one false move and they might hurt him. I let them have it twice with my deepest rrahhhh, rrrrrrrrahhhhm, ggggggrrrr! In other words, “You’d better get lost, or you’ll wish you’d never seen us.” They lifted one ear apiece to me and split off in another directlon. Secondly, Biscuit affords me the proper respect. You’d better believe he knows who is top dog in this household. Thirdly and lastly, you and Dad love Biscuit almost as much as you love me, so I’ve accepted that we are keeping him. Enough said or this will get sappy and I will drool all over and make your fingers sticky.

Advice from Oliver: Tell the ones you love how much and why you love them. It doesn’t hurt you, and it makes them happy. It might even get you an extra treat.