Around these parts, Lola the pup, aka Lola the Wonder Dog, is simply referred to as the Queen of Spaulding (our street’s name). Hardly a day goes by that I won’t overhear a passerby remark, “she’s so cute,” or request of me an opportunity to reach through the wrought iron fence to stroke her shiny black coat while Lola happily wags her tail.
Talk about pure animal magnetism! I have an ever-growing list of neighbor volunteers vying to provide her care should Robyn and I choose to spend a quiet weekend away from home. This list starts with Mont, of course, my longtime tenant and our friend, who remains an eager and reliable caretaker. If some ill fate were ever to befall me, I could confidently entrust Lola to his long-term care (with a generous stipend to keep Lola in the high style to which she has grown accustomed).
These days, however, even Mont might need to beat off Robyn for this privilege. Indeed, it took some time for Robyn to dispel my early fears that she did not share my level of canine love and devotion. It’s now obvious that Lola won her heart. Nothing pleases me more than to hear Robyn cooing “puppy talk” while observing Lola flip onto her back, hoping for an impromptu belly rub.
Then there are my young friends, Michael and Hannan. As I have mentioned here, Lola introduced us. Today, thanks to her, we occasionally meet for dinner in our respective homes.
I like spending time with younger people. In fact, just yesterday, during our nightly constitutional, Lola introduced me to another young couple, Keila and Tom, as they were parking their automobile. I learned they just recently moved onto the street.
Nonetheless, Keila had recognized Lola from walking past our fence with her dog, Matt. Keila remarked that she had been impressed by the fact that Lola did not bark at Matt. I suggested that Lola, a black English Labrador, perhaps feels comfortable around other Labradors, even yellow ones like Matt. I said goodbye, and we went on our way.
A few minutes later, on our return trip, I spotted Keila standing on her front porch with Matt, who was loudly barking. So, at Keila’s invitation, I crossed the street to introduce Lola to Matt. It did not take Lola long to initiate a short but vigorous play session, during which Lola somehow managed to capture Matt’s stuffed toy in her mouth. How rude!
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Meanwhile, back home, I got a text from Michael about an artist-run, neighborhood dog fest scheduled for early August. Michael pointed out that among the other dog-related contests, there is going to be an election held for Dog Mayor of our City. He wanted to know if he might nominate Lola.
At first, I declined, reminding him that since Lola – the Queen of Spaulding– is a Monarchist, the title of Mayor would seem to be beneath her station in life. Later, upon reflection, I informed Michael that if it is the People’s will, who am I to deny it?
