May 5, 2011

I knew this day was coming. I'd heard rumors. SIGH.

I came home from work with John on Wednesday to find a tiny black puppy galloping around the kitchen. Dozer and Dewey watched him from the safety of their kitty beds on the counter. Meryl and Mina wearily wagged hello from the other side of the baby gate.

"They've done it again," Mina grumbled. "Just when I thought we were done with puppies, they bring home another one."

"I think he's cute," said Meryl. "But he does have sharp teeth. Watch out!"

"HiI'mRocketWhat'syournamedoyouliveheretoohaveyouseenthesizeofthatcat?!" he asked me, all in one breath as he made another lap around the kitchen.

I sat down and eyed him. "I'm Mars. Yes, I live here. Yes, I have seen Dozer, and my advice to you is to steer clear of him. He's not fond of dogs in general and puppies in particular."

Rocket bounced over and grinned at me through the baby gate. "Come play!" he said. Marianne opened the gate and let me squeeze through. Rocket immediately grabbed on to my ear. "OUCH!" I said. I shook my head and sent him flying. Mina snickered. "I remember when you tried that with us," she said.

I was offended. "I never did anything like that!" I protested. Meryl snorted. "See this scar on my ear?" she asked, tilting her head. "That was your way of saying hello the day you arrived."

Oh. Um. Gee. *cough* "I'm sorry, I'm sure I didn't mean any harm," I said apologetically.

Meryl shrugged. "It's OK, Dinah did the same thing. You learn to get out of the way."

Rocket barked impatiently. "HEY! Over here! Let's play!"

"OK, but instead of my ear, could we play with this stuffed ladybug instead?" I asked.

By way of answer Rocket snatched the toy and growled at me, grinning and wagging his tail. All right, he's pretty cute, I guess. But I am still the Cutest Puppy in the World while I'm here. He can have the title after I leave.

Chow for now!

Mars

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