Puppy Romance

My human Lizzy always lets me run and wander off leash at the park. I am a good boy, right? So this evening didn't make any difference. It was getting late - the sun was gone and dusk was upon us. The air was quiet, save for the few calls and tweets of the birds settling in their roosts, and the occasional scream of a nearby neighborhood child who did not want to be put to bed. A star or two was starting to appear in the darkening sky as the last red tints were drawn out from the clouds in the west.

Lizzy started fiddling with my leash in her hands - A sure sign she was getting ready to call me back to start heading home. I quickly trotted along the side of the pond, looking for a drink, and watching out for any sleeping ducks I might like to startle.

That's when I saw it. Them. Him. Her. A couple. Together. In love.

It was so beautiful! They were two young humans, perhaps in their late teens or early 20's, standing on the other side of the pond. They stood by a picnic table, were I could spot the remains of their take-out Chinese dinner. But the food wasn't what interested me this time... The couple, just dark silhouettes in the nearly black park now, had their arms around each other in a deep embrace, his head bent over hers, kissing the night away...

Let me tell you guys something: I am a dog of love. That also means I am a jealous dog. Guys, who doesn't want to shower humans in big loving slobbery smooches (especially when their breath smells like Chinese food)?? I can't just stand by and let two people get away with smooching without me. There was only one thing I could do...

That's when Lizzy started calling me. Uh oh. She knew what I was on to. I'd have to do this quick, before it's too late. So, I took off running in the opposite direction of my human, running fast towards the kissing couple, my tongue already lolling out of my mouth... Before the lovers had time to even turn around and notice me, I was already up on their picnic table, standing on my hind legs, one of my front paws on her shoulder, the other paw on his shoulder, sticking my head right between theirs, giving (and getting) two kisses at one time. I could hear Lizzy yelling my name in the background. It was truly wonderful. Wonderful, until the couple noticed there was a third tongue in their game. And that's when he started yelling.

I decided it was my time to leave, my job here was done. Well, almost... As I hopped down from the picnic table, I had a sudden urge to give the lovers a couple good ol' leg humps. And that's when I noticed my human Lizzy, suddenly red-faced and quiet, turn around and start walking out of the park as fast and silently as she could. Where is she going?! Without me??! I had better run to catch up with her. Goodbye, my dear lovers, may your future together be bright and not too lonely without me!

And so I ran after Lizzy out of the park, and together we walked home. Me silent with satisfaction, Lizzy silent with repulsive attitude.

But, my friends, what can I say? I can't help it that I am just a lovable romantic pup, striving to make the world a better and more loving place.