The Big Ragu

When you’re single with a dog, you get teased that your dog is your girlfriend or boyfriend.  And if you’re single and female, and your dog is a male….well then the jokes are endless.  So I’ve been taking it “like a man” lol when I’m teased that Carmine is my boyfriend.  I just agree and move on.  And basically when I think about it, he is better than a boyfriend in a sense:  he never argues with me; he never complains about my tone; he never has to run home to see his mother; and he’s
always happy to see me!

Lately in NYC, the temperatures have been frigid; nothing compared to other parts of the country, but frigid to those of us who walk and do most of our daily duties by foot.  As a result, I’ve let Carmine sleep with me the past few nights.  Yes, sleep next to me in my bed to keep me warm.  Better than an electric blanket because I know he won’t electrocute me in my sleep.  At first I hesitated as I remembered all I’ve read about being the alpha; the pack leader; the I’m-in-bed-you’re-on-the-floor thinking.  But then I thought of all the people I know who are the Master of their pack and their dog or dogs sleep peacefully by their side each night.  So as I watched David Letterman, I tapped the bed and said “Up” and Carmine eagerly jumped on the bed and instantly snuggled next to me with his head on my shoulder. And he was warm….oh so very 67 lbs worth of warm!  And if he moved during the night and laid along the length of my body, then he became like one of those draft busters people use along their doors to block out the cold.  I woke up one night and his big head was on my neck like a scarf!  A warm and furry scarf—much better than cashmere!!

The odd thing I did notice but not sure is connected is that he seems to be a better listener lately as if he’s more in tune with me.

Who knows? 

Maybe that’s the reason or maybe he’s just growing up. If he's growing up, do you think can we teach that to human males??