Charlie’s Corner is the domain of Charlie, the furry four-legged lady’s man of the Market Common. Each month, he’ll share information to help all new, visiting, and existing doggie community members get the most out of life alongside their human companions. We’ll feature his reflections on what it’s like to be a dashing downtown doggie, as he reminds all of us how to play well together.
This month, Charlie gets more than he bargained for when he goes for a walk and has an encounter of the romantic kind with cupid.
Mmmmm deep winter— a time to curl up with blankets and take lots of naps, and invariably, at some point, get cuddled. But like the good doggie I am, committed to my human, and in keeping with my New Year’s resolution of helping Jim to get in shape, I’ve been asking for more walks lately. Jim’s been taking me out to the lake, since it’s so close now to our new office—but you should know all about that by now, and if you don’t, you should read up about it here.
One particular day, Jim and I are taking a leisurely stroll around the lake. As I watch all the people walking and jogging, and all the other dogs taking their people for walks on leashes, I’m lost in gentle reveries about what are some of my favorite things about February besides naps, blankets, and cuddling.
Well, Valentine’s Day for sure—for a ladies man such as myself, (and a lover of everyone in general) how could I not love Valentine’s Day? I have so many wonderful people in my life and so much love to give. Besides, one of the holiday’s trademark colors is red, which is one of our trademark colors at the Insider too.
I wonder which of the girl dogs will send me a Valentine? And will Megan get me a new chew toy? Maybe one in the shape of a heart? How could I best celebrate and show appreciation for everyone I care about? Maybe I’ll create art out of Jim’s favorite slippers again. He seemed speechless and red with pleasure the last time I did that, and it’s been awhile since I’ve shown my affection for him in that particular way. And then I threw the strands of fabric all over the house to decorate the doors like confetti. He was so surprised!
I’m suddenly distracted from my musings by a shiny something in the nearby tree. I try to get Jim’s attention so I can get closer, but he’s met someone he knows and they’re deep in conversation. I peer closer and it starts to fly towards me. Is it Holly the Holiday Fairy come to visit again, I wonder?
It’s about the same size, and looks like a naked, chubby fairy, except the wings are different. But the sunlight is reflecting so brightly off some shiny instrument it’s carrying, that I’m blinded. It circles me in a dizzying way, when suddenly—
“Ow!” I yelp in pain, as I feel a sharp poke to my nether regions.
Did I just sit on a sandbur? Did that flying guy just poke me? What nerve!! But as I look up, oh bliss, oh joy, oh rapture! I have spotted the love of my life and I am in LOOOOOOOVVEE.
It’s the most beautiful creature I have ever seen. The tail, so long and bushy, the frame, so petite and lovely, the ears to pert and pretty, the eyes, coal black—it is…a squirrel. And how could I have been so immune to such beauty until now?
As I strain to run to her, I dimly hear Jim make some comment about how dogs love to chase squirrels. I’m tugging and Jim’s not moving, and eventually he scoops me up and I give in. I’m so happy and delirious with love, that it feels like I’m floating in heaven. I will come for you soon, my sweet squirrel!
Until next time,
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