Man's Best Fiend

This is a bit unfair, since my new puppy Enzo is not overly destructive, perhaps because I'm around most of the time to keep him in check. He does have a stash of old shoes, piled by the door, that wind up scattered around the room by evening, and I admit to indulging him a bit in his fondness for raiding the wastebasket. I recall years ago visiting my friends Richard and Shiela Lukins (The Silver Palate) at their beautiful country home. It was a rainy day, and my dog Quits had been roaming outside. When he showed up at the door Shiela hurried to let him in. "Wait, he's covered in mud," I said, envisioning the inevitable filthy rugs, hardwood floors, and furniture. "I can clean it up," Shiela laughed, unperturbed. That's class.

Best Buds