To Be Like Bentley

Up until this point, I rejected the idea of writing about my dog.  I did not think I could fully explain the relationship I have with this little guy, and I thought it could make others think I'm unbalanced when it comes to pets if my explanation became gooey.  I also thought that no matter how hard I tried, I would not be able to convey how utterly cool I think Bentley is.  But I have decided to buckle up and try to drive this blog along the smoothest roads so that my passengers will catch a clear glimpse of just why I love my fella' Bentley so very much.

He could be described as piglet-like, with collie-type fur, a foxy look to his face though his eyes are large.  He has stand up ears, which, when wet, can be identified as chihuahua ears.  About the cutest pup ever, and because he is a small breed, he is eternally a pup because his weight will not exceed 14 pounds.  I did not say he is tea-cup, and he probably does not look like I had to actually purchase him, because he appears to be a mixed breed even though I have his papers to prove he is pure.  I could have chosen a typical, very tiny chihuahua pup from the litter, but I thought long hair would be nice and this chunker sliding into a corner was the one for me.  My children were there, this purchase was to be their Christmas gift, and I was delighted that they also had their hearts stolen by the pooch which I so badly wanted to take home.

This post may be a bad idea.  Perhaps a chapter book would have worked a little better.  Anyway, I will try and be blog-brief.

Bentley's zest for life is enviable.  He spends the night in my son's bedroom and first thing when I get up in the morning, I open Sky's door and Bentley behaves as though he has not seen me for a year.  Come to think of it, if I run to the grocery store and come home, he behaves that way, too.  His watermelon-shaped body with little "leglets" tears around, with his tail wagging forcefully and fully, while he makes little squeaky sounds of glee, letting me know his love for me is alive and well.  His day can begin because I am in it and it's all gravy from here on in!

He does the usual things a dog does like becoming thrilled when it's time to go for a walk, or in the car, and I am amazed how these little activities never become old for him.  He experiences the mundane as special and exciting.  He's grateful for his meals and affection means the world to him.  He nuzzles in my neck and rests on my torso to the tune of anytime.  I'm here, he's with me.

There is a downside to the Benster and it's not small, it is in fact, rather significant.  It is a secret to all who meet up with him outside of my family and perhaps three other chosen human beings, that Bennie is an excellent companion and friend.  That is because the only side they see of him is vicious and wild.  It makes no sense to anybody that I even keep this dog 'cept that I must be a sucker for good looks.   I must chuckle about this, and I have learned to just chalk it up to that he is my protector and he doesn't really care about his reputation.  I guess that's a little admirable, right?  The poor man in the gas station who has to take the money through a tiny opening in my window so Bennie does not jump through and attack him.  Minor inconvenience.  Not really, but the side of him that matters, well that side is the side worth keeping and unfortunately it means putting up with his insane behavior.

Did I mention I did try and take him to obedience school to teach him to be nice to others?  No joke, he was a drop-out.  I didn't have the nerve to ask for a refund, but the teacher mumbled something about how my dog was a spoiled brat.  That's inside info and please do not let that influence you to decide not to like my dog.

Bentley Balto Clifford Bambi Barker (his full name) is my dog, and I and my children shall never reject him because of his imperfections.  Truth be told, to me, he has none.