Page 7 2024 Animal Stories Lincoln Daily News February 2024 There is something, or should I say “someone,” I just didn’t see coming!? As happens in many families after the death of a spouse, I gradually have been losing touch with the family of my first wife, Marie. At the same time, I have been warmly embraced and made to feel accepted in the family, and among the friends of my second wife, Karen (formerly) Hargis. Karen’s son, Scott, is a great guy and we have developed, as may have been expected, a strong friendship based on mutual respect and liking. What has been totally unexpected is how I have bonded with Zookie, Karen’s 6-year-old Yorkie! Now you need to understand that I did not grow up with a dog or around dogs. Of course, I knew friends who had dogs and cats whom they loved like family, but I just didn’t get it. How can one relate to an animal with an affection that comes anywhere near to the affection one has for fellow human beings? Well, let me tell you! Pets have the amazing ability to capture your heart and your mind! First of all, you need to know that Zookie is a beautiful little dog. She weighs about 6 pounds, and she stands about 7 inches tall. She has a darker coat on her back with very light brown short-haired fur on her belly. I think she is just the right weight for her size—not too fat and not too skinny. Oh yes, she has mesmerizing deep brown eyes that at times can look pleading, reproachful, angry, or loving! Her fluffy ears are usually relaxed but any unexpected or suspicious sounds make her ears come to full attention— like the rustling of the cookie bag in the kitchen. Honestly, Zookie has incredible hearing. She can be sound asleep in the entry way while I tiptoe to the kitchen and very gently lift the foil off the Chips Ahoy bag. And--there she is, prancing all around me, with shiny, eager, expectant eyes! Her nose brings a whole other dimension to her world that we humans lack. Even when we turn her loose in the yard to do her “business,’ she always finds a place to sniff and to explore. Surreptitiously, I even find her regularly smelling my fingers and even my breath for any suspicion of leftover food. Recently Zookie has taken to announcing her arrival in the yard with quick barking! However, I am learning to understand her Continued --
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzExODA=