Puggle - pug·gle (pŭg'gle) n.

School shopping this year was no different than any other year I suppose. Typically many items are added to the list, which I always expect, to include Ringo Starr drum sticks, Remo heads for the Ludwigs and ... the unexpected ... a Puggle.

Clearly I must of been out of my mind. Guilt apparently takes over and ... of course ... I cannot say no ... then ... of course ... buyers remorse kicks in full titlt, before we even reach the house!

In attempt to school shop, Patrick went to the mall, with his Grandmother. Low and behold, he went past the pet store and proceeded to tell her, and then me, that the poor puppy in the window needed some toys and was being neglected. The story goes on and on. She was a sad and lonely puppy, very small and skinny, had to be sick, and certainly abused by the horrible pet store.

Well within 24 hours the guilt consumed me, Patrick batted his eyes, and waa laaa .... we picked up the puppy. Her name is Taylor. She is 12 weeks old and is obviously in complete control of my life!

The deal of course, which fails within minutes let alone hours, was that this puppy would be Patrick's. They would bond. I would not be involved in the care of the puppy. He was to walk the puppy, feed the puppy, play with the puppy and most importantly, take the puppy with him when he moves out on his own. I am not a dog person. Dogs are great. I just don't want one.

Patick is holding up his end of the bargin. However, never did I consider the remote fact, that within a few days, Patrick would be in school and I would be stuck playing babysitter to a newborn! It is a living hell. Oh the puppy is cute ... don't get me wrong ... but so are babies ... and I don't want another one of those either!!

So... welcome to my nightmare. She is adorable. Maybe it will all turn out in the end. I will be forced into some aspect of socialization, with the do-gooders and health fanatics, who endlessly circle my block on their morning walks, and she will provide some aspect of affection and companionship for me. Oh I am trying here.

I suppose it is possible but somewhat unlikely, that I will end up completely attached to this puppy who will not soon enough become a dog, and when Patrick leaves home and wants to take the dog I will be devastated.

I just had a different type of retirement in mind. One that did not include traveling with a pet. Note to self: Huge Error.

The Bottom line... I am sucker for a good kid, an unworthy man, most musicians, and pathetic pets who need to be rescued. This could just possibly be a Karmic debt to intolerable to repay in this life time.