The Optimist

It’s that time of year. The squirrels are fat. Slower. One of these days I will catch one. The white fluffy stuff comes and goes. I can curl up in front of the fireplace. It’s toasty.

Other than some salt on my paws, it’s been another tail wagging year. My family was home a lot again though there were more comings and goings than last year. Oh let me tell you about one new coming and going! One of my family (the one who lets me sleep in her bed) goes somewhere new. Somewhere magical. When she comes home her shoes are all meaty smelling. A most delightful aroma. I lick them clean, yum.

There was long stretch of going. Going away! One of my family (the one who tussles my ears and calls me poocherama) was gone for a long time. I was starting to get worried she wouldn’t come back. She did. Oh I was so excited when she came home. I was jumping up and spinning around. My whole back end was shakin’ with delight. I almost widdled. Almost. I didn’t!

The days will get brighter starting today. Every day is bright for me but that’s what one of my family said today. He’s the one who likes to play. He hides my bone under his foot to get my attention. I go along with it. It makes him happy.

I lost my second front tooth this year. It doesn’t bother me. I still chew sticks and bones. I still smile with my ears perked and tail waggin’. The only time I show my teeth is to growl at the fox. Grrr. It makes me look fierce. Grrr. Get off my turf!

Our Christmas tree is called Optimist this year. The gardening store that put name tags on the trees is closed so my family had to go elsewhere.* I helped them pick a name. I think. 

They keep saying “Optimist. Like Caramel.” 

Honestly, I don’t know what that means. I assume it’s paw-sitive. I expect good things to happen. Like meaty shoes. My family coming home when they leave. My afternoon chow at 4 pm. A soft blanket on the couch. Someone to wipe my paw when it stings. Sticks to play with outside. Bones to chew inside. Belly rubs when I lift my leg. Family home for the holidays.

It’s just the way it is. Good. 

You know what makes me really happy? Look at me. This isn’t a trick question. Seriously, just look at me! When we make eye contact my little tail will swing from side to side. I may even roll on my back for a belly rub. Who am I kidding? I WILL roll on my back for a belly rub. Ahh…feels good. I bet you’re smiling too.

See, now we’re both happy.

* Tree purchased from The Optimist Club.