On Dogs

I don't know where I found the hardihood to take in a dog, but reader, you must know that the next day after our fear of each other and mutual distrust, I forgave him of all ills and we soon became the dearest of companions. I even, reader, when he gayly and triumphantly returned the saliva covered and chewy warm tennis ball to my sticky, muddy hand, found myself eagerly and without a moment's reservation, kissing him atop his mangy pup's head-- all within five minutes of our first morning spent ensemble. What would happen over the next month was an incomprehensible metamorphosis for someone who never delighted before in the lick of an appreciative dog's tongue or the discovery of black dog hairs in one's own bed!