Sofie and Me

— Photo by ML

Sofie is my new best friend. She's not quite 3 years old, is half Pit Bull and half Basenji, and she's some 40lbs of pure muscle. Sofie likes me. How do I know? Well, she didn't eat me when we first met. And now, as soon as she sees me, she gets up on her hind legs with her favorite toy in her mouth ready to play.

I have never owned a dog before, and technically Sofie is not my dog (yet!), but I'm working on it. Sofie's real owner is .. hm .. a very good friend of mine (but that's a another story).

Anyway, the other day we all went to Fairmount Park here in Philadelphia, and as Sofie's new best friend, and as "dog owner in training", I, of course, had the leash. We were walking through the park, sniffing at trees, marking territories .. well, Sofie did. I just held on to the leash, and tried, as best I could, to prevent Sofie from eating just about anything that she thought interesting and/or yummy.

The Fairmount Park is great for picnics, and especially now during the summer, there are people grilling and eating everywhere. And as people do everywhere when they know that somebody else will pick up after them, they throw chicken bones and other leftovers into the grass.

Sofie loves this. The Fairmount Park is like a buffet for her, and one really has to keep an eye on what she puts in her mouth. Of course, the problem is that she's just so fast. Oh, and forget letting her run free in the park. All you'd see would be a black shadow zipping across the lawn at supersonic speed, stealing food from unsuspecting (and probably frightened) humans. I have to admit, though, it's quite tempting to just let her go. But, Sofie's real owner (and much more responsible human), would never let me do it .. hm .. the term "killjoy" comes to mind ;)

Now, it's really fun to walk around with Sofie. There is a certain coolness factor (very important!) that comes with this type of dog. It's like driving a really cool sports car — you guys know what I mean, and you ladies, I know what you think .. and you'd you be wrong :)

But it's the most fun when you meet another guy who is walking around with some fluffy little dog .. 'coz Sofie and I know, and, more importantly, the other guy knows, that Sofie could eat "Fluffy".

Just kidding, Sofie would never think those thoughts .. I mean .. no, seriously, Sofie is a sweet little puppy.

-martin.