I've never been a “dog lover.” We all know someone who falls into that category.  These trusty human beings are normally genuine all around animal lovers of every species.  We consider them special individuals who can't hurt a fly and seem to feel compelled to escort pesky rodents outside rather than harm them.  They patch wounded birds and feed any hungry critter who happens along, no questions asked, without fear of infection or bodily harm. More often than not, someone who fits this description can be found carrying dog treats in their pockets, just in case they encounter a stranger. These caretakers speak a universal animal language all their own which is very similar to the goo goos and  ...gah gahs...occasionally directed towards small infants. 

Whenever I heard someone babble at a baby, I had assumed the goal was to make the infant laugh and when the same consonants and vowels were lavished upon a dog, I figured the wacky initiator was trying to snag a dog lick on the face or even more distasteful, a dog kiss on the lips! 

That was never my desire, quite the opposite actually.  Just the thought of even the possibility of a wet and slimy pepto bismo tongue coming in contact with any part of my body made me wince. God only knows what sort of man or beast or doggy body part it happened to lick before it chose me. I didn't care how high the cute factor might have been, the breath of a dog is usually quite brutal.

In the past, whenever I entered a pet owners home, I instantly made it perfectly clear to the little mutt, that I was not there to make friends. I did not allow the mongrel to sniff me, kiss me, lick me, or climb on me with their dirty little paws.  What sane person with any self respect would want the part of the body that poops to come in any sort of contact with your lap?  

All those negative dogs vibes occurred before I became the proud parent to two... not one, of the cutest, most lovable, darling little precious miniature toy poodle puppies on the planet.  Max and Molly are my new babies and even though I talk to them all day long, they never get tired or bored with my conversation.   My little pups never roll their eyes, never talk back, never ask "why?" never ever hold a grudge and are always so glad to see me. I believe it's the very first time in my entire life I have truly experienced unconditional love.
 I miss them terribly, even when I'm only gone a short while.
Truth be told, I think I might like them more than all the human beings living in my house.

You may wonder how in the world I made the transition from dog repeller to doggie lover,
 well now...that's... another story.