She was in playful mood today. She was always in a playful mood on these dreary, rainy days. I have to admit it takes all my energy to get out of bed on a day like this.

“Hurry up and get downstairs.”, she said. “I have a surprise for you!”

Her enthusiasm, while not contagious, piqued my interest enough to get me out of bed. I threw on my robe and followed her down the steps. As we rounded the corner into the kitchen I saw what she meant by a surprise. I found myself staring into the eyes of the largest dog I had ever seen as it leapt from the floor, put it’s paws on my shoulder, and licked my face vigorously as it stood on it’s hind legs. I could only stand there in awe as I tried to keep my balance while locked in the embrace of this enormous creature.