This is a nice way to start the day.

When I finished my shave and shower, I found that Sparky had gotten up and out.  He starts the day by taking a nap by the fire, and I start the day seeing him taking a nap by the fire.  Everybody wins.

If I went over to talk to him, he’d roll over to show me his belly and do that half-wave tail wag that slaps the floor.  Sparky has too much faith in me.  He seems to expect that something really good is coming.  I don’t know what to tell him.  I just want to sit down, have a coffee and read some crap.

The good thing is that it doesn’t take much to satisfy a beagle.

I’d compliment him on the splendid fur that is growing back on his surgery-shaved belly.  Maybe scratch his belly to emphasize my sincerity.   Take him outside to shit in the woods, then give him a dog treat that is less appealing than a stale pretzel. 

After that, Sparky is on top of the world.  Dogs are great to have around.