A Pleasant Surprise, Or Why I Drove Home Last Night

When I got off work at 7, my mom called to tell me there was a surprise at home. I assumed it was Annushka's present to me and since she was at the Phantom of the Opera last night, I didn't feel especially inclined to go open it. We like to open the presents we send each other while we are on the phone. Just in case we don't like it, we don't want each other to have time to prepare a little speech about it being "so great, thanks!"

Anyways, it wasn't a package. Honestly, I was hoping it was my mom's friend Virle from Austin. Abe's a pretty good second though. He brought a puppy with him, who they named October. The puppy already knows his name, which is a big shame because Toby is SUCH a cute name. But I've tried, he doesn't respond to Toby. October did manage to steal Hunter's stuffed bunny from him last night. Toby can't weigh more than 5 pounds and he was able to get the toy, which is much larger than him, behind him and stand possessively in front of it. He kept snapping at Hunt when Hunter tried to take it back because Hunt's a jealous whore when it comes to his toys, and also "my mommy gave that to me, you better give it back! Right now!" It was refreshing to see a dog put Hunter in his place, it's just hilarious that the one pet who can weighs as much as his left paw.

October is a beagle, and this morning when I let him out of his kennel, he showed his true beagle side by refusing to come out because I am a stranger. I've had Labs for so long that I don't understand a timid puppy. A puppy who doesn't immediately cover my legs in joyous hugs that I am in such close proximity to him! Or launch himself out of the cage to run around me, and kiss my face before I have time to stand up. Beagles are weird.

I'll take my Bucky Boy any day!