SOFTER SIDE OF THE GENIUS

Sometime before I retired I began to wish for a little lap dog as a means of keeping me company when I was at home all the time. So I began my campaign to get one about two years before I was to hang up the whiteboard markers.

As was expected, the genius was adamantly opposed to the idea and came up with all the negative reasons he could to dissuade me. 1) Who would keep him when we traveled? 2) He would mess up the house. 3) He would be so much trouble for me and I would get tired of him. 4) I would have to take him outside in all kinds of weather. 5) It would be expensive. And a few more I have forgotten.

When he saw all his talking couldn’t do any good, he began to say things like, “OK, but the care of it is all yours!” “I’m not going to take it outside for walks.” “I’m not going to clean up after it.” “The expense is all yours!” And on and on.

So we went to “just see” about this Maltese in Springfield. “We’re not committed to it.” “We don’t have to get the first one we see.” Then I saw my little Rufus and my heart was lost. We had to wait two weeks for it, but the genius resigned himself to a new dog.

How long did it take him to love that little feller? A few hours, a few minutes? How about a few seconds? He was hooked as soon as we got in the car and Rufus threw up on me. His sympathies were all with the dog! Never mind about my white blouse.

He is so crazy about that dog that when he comes home after being gone all day, he greets Rufus first!! And of course, he has long since taken over the expense of grooming, vet care, and all other expenditures. He takes him for walks, feeds him, and even sleeps with him on occasion.

While we were in New Orleans, he mentioned the dog several times and wanted me to call and check on him. AND here is the real proof. As soon as we arrived home and unloaded the car, instead of going to do his workout and bike ride, he wanted to go get the dog. If the sisters and husbands hadn’t been in the car, I’m sure he would have gone by there first.

Anyway, he loves that little dog, independent cuss that Rufus is. And I look back at all those months of his objecting to the idea and just smile!!!