A Math Problem

Three dogs, two hands. It is a math problem that cannot be solved without adding more hands to the equation. Most of the time, that’s not a problem since there are two other people who live here (taking us up to six hands), but first thing in the morning when I’m the only one up, or when I get home at the end of the day when no one else is here, it’s the math problem I’m left trying to solve.

I’m not complaining. As problems go, it’s one I’m pretty happy to have. It is one that reveals each dog’s personality, though.

Howie is always right next to me, pushing his head under my hand, reminding me he wants to be petted.

Junebug hops up next to me and crawls on my lap, giving me kisses. She wants to be petted and  needs to remind me who the princess in the family is.

Larry circles us. He may or may not come close enough to be petted right away. Eventually he’ll hop right up where he wants to be, wriggling himself between me and June. He doesn’t so much want to be petted as to demand my attention. He’s not a cuddly dog (except when it’s time for bed), so this is on his terms. He’ll leave soon enough when he hears a loud noise that needs to be barked at.

June will stay for the pets for a little while, but she loves a good excuse to bark, so soon she’s on the back of the couch with him.

Howie, however, is still sitting at my feet, quietly demanding that he be petted.