....Duke Is The Dog

....and Duke is the dog. It's how I've overheard many conversations begin when Martine (hereafter simply known as 'wife') introduces our family. Perhaps we're out meeting somebody new or somebody is visiting our home. It's always the same. "This is (daughter#1) and this is (daughter#2) and this is my husband, Brian and this....is Duke. He's a little crazy but he won't hurt you." she says, smiling. She has to say that as Duke has likely scared the daylights out of whomever dare come within 100 feet of our home. He's unleashed a doggie tirade that's maniacal enough to weaken the knees of even the most feared contractors. Or the meter reader. I had the utility man once insist I put him away for the duration of the visit. "Uhh, your going to lock him up right? I don't want to get bit". Not bitten mind you, bit. So with all due respect to his wishes and improper grammer I locked up the dog. It struck me at that moment that perhaps there was more than met the eye with Duke. Josie, our much older, wiser and gentler dog never even made me blink twice. Duke had already cost me a broken finger. More on that later. This blog won't be all or only about Duke, but he may indeed garner more than his share of attention as I have to admit....I'm beginning to really like this wild beast.