I'm in a New York State of Dog

Me and my pups.

My landlords went away and asked it I would watch their Jack Russell terriers, Addie and Maude. Of course I would. A chance to see life on the other side.

I think there are two kinds of people in New York City: those with dogs and those without.

I have always been fascinated by watching people with their dogs here. It is such a "thing' having a dog in NYC. I never fully understood how a city where people are crammed in tiny apartments with no yards and work at offices all day has so many dogs. And dog services. And dog stores. And dog bakeries and beauty parlors and therapups.

I was told it is for loneliness and/or companionship. Even my own sister thinks I should get a dog.

(I am still holding out for its owner.)

And dog owners have that high-pitched "Who's the best little girl, huh?" "You are SOOOO cute I could just..." Only a octave down from the cootchie coo of people who own kids.

I find this whole dog thing another opportunity to judge or profile. And another opportunity for hating myself for doing it. That dude with that dog that makes him not so "manly" or that woman with that "purse pup" who no longer has sex with her husband. And the outdoorsy guy with the golden retriever being all Aiden from "Sex and the City." C'mon who are you kidding? See? Judgey and wrong, I know. But see how those two with the mastiff look at me? I know they are. See that, why dontcha?!

And if I see someone with one dog, I think it is theirs, but with two dogs (unless they are matching!) or more, I think that person is a dog walker. Dog walking is BIG BUSINESS here. There is this guy on my block who has this "I am a Walrus" mustache and he walks different dogs all the time. I wonder if he every wants one of his own?

Wow, I am gettin' all Andy Rooney with this dog thing. I wonder if he has covered this? (I can't stand that poor man. I bet his dog walker walks a bulldog or some other stout, scrunchy-faced breed.)

Anyway, I did notice that kids found me more interesting and people looked at me more. And I felt kind of proud of my two munchkins when we were in the park.

Ooooooo. Aren't they just ADORABLE? C'mon here to pappa you wee lovely bundles of Oooooooo Ooooo OOOOOOOO. I could just eat you up. Yes, I could. Oh. Oh.Oh. Yes, I couuuuld.