Anyway...

By Lesley Ann Beck

I found something that Otis, the loyal Labrador, will not eat. A lovely slice of homegrown tomato, lightly sprinkled with salt and just a little pepper. He ate around it. Didn't touch it. Walked away. This is a dog who eats sticks. Paper. Birkenstock cork-bottom sandals.

It makes you wonder just what criteria he uses to determine if an object is edible or not.

I realize that it is pointless for me to try to think like a dog, but I just want him to be happy. I often wonder if he is -- he certainly seems to be, if wiggling and wagging are any indication.

My husband always says, if he is reincarnated, he wants to come back as Otis.

He has a point.

Otis spends his days napping, listening to classical music. My husband always leaves the radio on for him when we're not home. Other than naps, he goes for walks, eats and 'gets snugged up' on the couch. Not bad.

Of course, every so often, some foolish person will try to get him to eat something really strange, like a tomato. It's a small price to pay.