Rocking with Rocco

When our big dog Mutley died, I stated that I did not want another dog, I did not want another dog, I did not want another dog. And then came Rocco, the puppy, the most rambunctious puppy in the world. Rocco with his plane wings ears and that left ear that sticks straight up like some radar installation when he hears something of interest. Rocco who practically turns himself inside out with joy whenever we come home. Rocco who has niggled his way into my heart.
ROcco is about as dumb as a box of bricks. This morning he was sitting on the end of the bed barking at the dog in the mirror. And wouldn't you know it, that silly dog in the mirror was barking back. Then suddenly it was the third race at Pimlico and here comes Rocco galloping into the living room a rubber chicken in his mouth. He gave the chicken a furious shake, smacking himself in the head while doing so, then back down the hall onto the bed to show the dog in the mirror his chicken. Only the dog in the mirror had a chicken as well. Rocco would have no parts of that and vocally protested, all the while holding the chicken in his mouth. Then it was the fourth race at Pimlico and wouldn't you know it, the rubber chicken got tangled around his feet and he skidded on his chin into the living room. He gave me a look as if he meant to do that and then sat and cleaned his whoopsie doodle.
Meanwhile, little dog Ollie is watching all of this from the couch shaking his hairy little dog head and giving me the same look and older brother gives when his younger brother farts in public or picks his nose.
"Kids, what can you do with them?"
In this case kiss Rocco right between those stick out ears and slip him a gummy bear or two.