Outside of a dog, a book is man's best friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read.
~Groucho Marx~
My latest obsession has been with Cesar “I rehabilitate dogs. I train people. I *AM* the Dog Whisperer” Millan. A friend recommended watching him when I mentioned the challenges of having three dogs, each with their own distinct temperament, living in the same house with three cats and four humans. First, I would watch an odd episode here or there, not really paying attention to what time the show was on or what channel aired it. Then there was the Dog Whisperer Marathon on the National Geographic Channel over the holidays. And finally, Becca gave me his book for Christmas. Cesar has become a force in my life.

When we come into the house after having been out, I admonish whatever humans are with me that there is to be “no touch, no talk, no eye contact” until the dogs have calmed down. I chant the mantra of “exercise, discipline, affection”. I repeat to myself “I *AM* the pack leader!” and preach “the power of the pack”. I know that dogs are not merely four-legged furry people and they need to be treated like dogs in order to live balanced, healthy lives.

This usually all happens while sitting on the couch, fending off the dogs’ unwanted attentions with burblings of baby talk. I think I need to get back to that book.

On a completely different subject, my cousin has just doomed his new son to a lifetime of wearing these silly banners every New Year’s Day.