My vitamin C

For 9 years after Jay and I got married, we had no pets. My infrequent but regular requests for a dog was always met with "Why do you need a dog? You have me!" or "Woof, woof"?! Multiple visits with my brother and his loyal companion of over 13 years now, aka, the fuzzball Seth, my husbands fears were neutralized, well, for the most part!

We began our search. Our search was limited, of course, because we had a name and needed a dog to fit it. He was to be called Cadbury. I even tried calling his name and it sounded like my dog! So, we looked in our vicinity for a chocolate Labrador retriever. Jay found one and sent me his picture. He looked more like a yellow lab than a chocolate lab. I was slightly disappointed, but not about to complain. I didn't want to risk Jay changing his mind. We went to see him. His sister Izzy played all evening long with us and stayed in my arms for a long time. Connor was running around the room merrily playing with a ball and peeing all over the room. He was the independent type! It didn't take us long to submit the papers after we met him and he was our family with a 7 day warranty.

"Connor"! It didn't feel right. Who names a dog Connor? However, Cadbury would no longer be appropriate. Cloud, Cotton, Cuddles were the ones that came to mind, but we couldn't settle on the right name for atleast 2 weeks. We had met Connor 3 times by then and grown accustomed to calling him Connor. He responded to the name. He was undoubtedly Connor. Our very own Connor.

Two years later, Connor is still a puppy! He is a playful dog, a hair grenade that has single handedly depreciated the value of my house. On the other hand, he makes me calm, stimulates endorphins and keeps me physically and mentally fit! Dogs have known to have a very positive health impact on human beings for generations. Before we got Connor, I would really not have bought into that, but I can see why so many articles document the health benefits of a pet. He reduces stress by making me forget work the minute I step in the house. Stress reduces the ability of the body to stave off illnesses. So atleast on two counts; reducing stress and keeping us active, dogs are a great asset to our mental and physical well being.

Its a wonderful feeling when you have someone following you room to room. Its wonderful knowing that border patrol is active as he barks hard at the slightest sound. Its wonderful knowing there is a being with you that is non judgmental, happy-go-lucky and happy at every sight of you.