Meet Mr. Bean

I'm in the middle of a busy patch, which is actually nice - not complaining.

The online class is off and running, and this is a large group - 27 students the first week, but the number will probably decrease over the next few weeks. These classes are very compressed - lots of work in just 11 weeks, and online classes require a great deal of self-discipline. I really like the students.

Also in the last stretch of writing an article for In Trust. Lots of interviews, lots of good stuff.

But the big news is that last Saturday afternoon, Neil and I were driving home from grocery shopping, talking about getting a dog or cat. We've been petless for the last seven or eight years, probably the longest time we have been without an animal companion.

Still talking about pets, we pulled into the Sam's Club parking lot, because we have also been talking about getting a membership. Would it be worth the $50? Would it just encourage us to buy huge amounts of stuff we don't really need?

There was a pet adoption event on the sidewalk next to Sam's Club, in front of Pet Smart. A group of dog fosterers called Almost Home. About twenty dogs, all ages and sizes and types.

Lots of charming dogs - some handsome, some cute, some young and frisky. Off to one side was a lady sitting with a small black dog. We walked over and met Mr. Bean.

He immediately sat in front of us and stared at us searchingly. We bent down to pet him, and he was perfect - quiet, friendly, polite. I didn't really want to, but I fell in love.

Mr. Bean moved in the very next day. We are amazed at what a great dog he is. He's obedient, patient, and quiet. He likes to play and he loves to sit in our laps. He knows how to sit, down, stay, and heel. Apparently he can roll over on command, although I haven't been able to get him to do this (my son can do it, though). He doesn't eat much (a cup of dry food daily). He doesn't jump up, rummage through the garbage, or chew things. We have yet to hear him bark (I hope this isn't the sign of some kind of problem).

So why was he up for adoption? The story is that he loves people but doesn't get along with other animals. So we were worried about Mr. Bean trying to fight the dog next door or snarling at other dogs when we walk around the block.

But he's fine. He seems completely unconcerned by other dogs. In fact, Mr. Bean is, so far, an ideal pet.

By the way, we walked through Sam's Club and looked around and decided not to join.