The Very Model

Today, the impossible happened. On our walk, my dog Max was held up as the standard of excellence toward which all other dogs should strive. As we passed a woman walking a small black ball of fur, Max remained calmly by my side as the other dog exploded into a frenzy of yapping, straining at the end of his leash and nearly choking himself. "Why can't you be more like that dog?" she chastised her spasmodic oversized dust bunny. "Look how good he is!" Ha! Well played, Max. Well played.

He's come a long way from being the pride of his puppy kindergarten class who, upon receiving his Canine Good Citizenship award, promptly took a dump on the floor squarely in front of his teacher.