Bear Appreciation Day

Ormond Beach Observer
Opinion

This past week us mothers and fathers of sweet, loving, hairy buckets of drool celebrated National Dog Day.

Though I didn’t throw him a party or shower him with gifts (because remember, he is a dog), I did spend the day reminiscing on all the things I love about the only and only Bear.

1) We like all the same foods. Though I’m not 100% sure how much he’s actually tasting the food as he’s huffing it down like a vacuum cleaner, Bear has never been a picky eater. Pepperoni Pizza, leftover Chipotle, bacon and lettuce (no joke) are some of his favorites.

2) He sleeps like a hungover frat boy. Every morning, when I look over the edge of my bed to wake the beast, I find him sprawled out on his back, with legs in the air, and his tongue hanging out of the side of his mouth. It’s a precious image.

3) He’s not a people pleaser. Unlike most dogs that will literally run up to anyone for the chance of a pat on the head, Bear doesn’t need to be the center of attention. He’s confident enough to know that he’s a “good boy” even if the only one petting him is me.

4) He’s provides a nice illusion of protection. It’s not uncommon for people to cross streets and change directions when they see Bear and I coming down the side walk. As an easily-scared woman with the muscle mass of an 8 year old, having (some) control of a (slightly) intimidating Rottweiler is as powerful as I’ll ever feel.

5) He always makes me smile. When I come home from a long day where nothing went right, the one thing I can always count on is Bear greeting me at the door with the biggest, dumbest grin that can only mean one thing: “I love you. You’re home. Can we eat?”