Toby came into my life last November from an ad on Craig’s List.  He is a long haired Chihuahua, about a year and half old, and weighs 9 pounds.  He was a nervous little thing that wouldn’t eat, go outside, or generally relate much.  He would pick his moments of interaction and they were few and far between. 

Slowly, we built up our bond and now most days he is asleep under my desk or watching me from his little bed. 

He gets up and s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-s his front legs, s-t-r-e-t-c-h-e-s his back legs, and then arches his back like his kitty cat sisters before he walks over and puts his front paws on my legs.  It’s a sure sign he needs to go outside…or he needs to be fed….or, maybe he just needs to feel someone touch his face. He’s getting to know the people around him more, and when he walks up to them it’s generally an invitation to “pet me”.  Very few invitations are refused. 

Working in an environment of textiles, the feel of fur and warm puppy is a natural. There’s nothing better during the days closing in on a deadline to make you stop, breathe, and get your bearings back than a funny, furry, cold-nosed little puppy.  He is a little prince prancing down the hallway on his way outside.  I’ve noticed that whenever we encounter someone in the hallway walking the other direction, the expression on their face changes. 

I have no idea what was going through his mind when he crawled up into my lap this morning, but paperweight comes to my mind!  His front paws were sliding around on the desk and then viola! he was flat out making himself comfy!  Not a big fan of cameras and flashes, his expression is annoyance, but not so extreme he was going to move.  “Just call me  MISTER T! No autographs, please!”