For the Love of Dog

I never wanted a dog…

Pup Po encounters a KuneKune

I wrote this wee essay to accompany the above drawing:

“My family wanted a dog and I did not…."We already have two cats, and we don't need to add another much needier pet to the equation! Expenses, kenneling, barking, walking, chewing, slobbering, shedding...!" (You can see I was not just being a Jerk, but had some fairly good points to back up my stance.)

But despite my unwavering and adamant stance, which I maintained 'TIL THE VERY LAST....my family just decided to get a dog anyway.

They were fairly clear they wanted to start with a fresh, not yet traumatized puppy, because you don't want your particular kind of projected trauma mixing with someone else's. Now, unbeknownst to them, puppies are surprisingly hard to find, and they were starting to get desperate, but they finally managed to scrounge one from the dust bin at the Everett Humane Society. Yay, a rat-dog from a stray litter!

Well, they brought my worst nightmare home, and I'm not sure what kind of chemicals a small puppy excretes, but I fell deeply in love with the damn dog instantly. I love my family, but when I come home from a long commute, it's really the dog I'm looking forward to seeing.”

Below is an image I designed and painted in Photoshop based on the above drawing.

Below are some previous versions that got me there.

I did the above work about 7 years ago, when we first got Po. I post it now, because i do not see her as often. Arlette and I got divorced a year ago and I have moved to West Seattle. She is with me now for the weekend. We took a walk in Lincoln Park today. A dog reminds you to be present with their presence. Thanks for being such a wonderful companion Po.

moodysteffon@gmail.com