Publisher's Note: My Dog Max

by Lori Murphy

What harm is there in letting a man think that the dog is his best friend? In fact, it can help on days when a bath is required. Max and I know the real deal. He adores me. Period.

He doesn’t care if I am having a bad hair day. Or look ridiculous in my nightgown and a sweatshirt. Listening intently to my every word, he turns his face upward with what looks a lot like a smile. Whether I have been gone an hour or a week, Max is thrilled to welcome me back home. We live down a long lane, and the sound my car makes from a block away brings him running. Down the steps of the porch and across the lawn, he criss-crosses around the car, sometimes showing off a bit. Max will jump over imaginary barriers or chase a squirrel to show me what an outdoorsman he is. I have to admit that it works. I am impressed.

I am not the only one. With our crazy schedules, it is often Max who acts as emissary amongst our wonderful neighbors. He goes on the walks we never seem to have enough time for and generally represents the Murphy family in fine fashion. He communicates very well; most of the time you know exactly what he is trying to say. Recently my friend Cindy, who lives across the street, was surprised to answer a knock at her door to find Max waiting on the porch. Maybe he needed a cup of milk?

ps This spring I hope to take a cue from Max and try relaxing on the lawn in the sunshine. Maybe I’ll ask him to take me to Woofstock 2008 on April 6. Join us if you can!