Am I looking for the perfect dog or the perfect woman?
When it comes to picking domestic partners, my track record isn’t spectacular. 
Ex #1
My first wife was, and remains, a lovely woman. That we grew in opposite directions was, perhaps, the fault of no one.
Though I carried a lot of guilt around with me for nearly two decades over the manner in which we split, that fact that we became different people was just something that happened and it was, because of conflicting positions on certain issues, both inevitable and unavoidable.
Ex#2
My second choice for a mate resulted in 15 years of degenerating contentment. That putting it in the best possible light.
However, with silver linings in mind, I became a stronger, more resilient person as a result of that tumultuous relationship.
Jeremy, my step son and LE are the two remaining silver linings in that relationship. Along with the two children from my first marriage, they are the jewels in my crown.
Solo-Dog
As the search for the right dog continues, I’m beginning to think that my search parameters for our canine companion aren’t that different from the ongoing, albeit inactive for the most part, search for the perfect woman.
You be the judge.
I’m hoping Solo-Dog will:
- Be 1-3 years old (OK, this one doesn’t count.
Not even when converting to human years.) - Love LE
- Love me
- Be loyal
- Want to play
- Look forward to walks on the beach with me
- Be content with our life together
- Like the simple things, like kibble (Hey, who likes to eat out all the time?
)
When I think about it, that’s what I want from a woman as well. (OK, I didn’t mention a libido to die for… for obvious reasons, but that’s in the mix as well…um, but not for the dog.) Yes, I’m a man and therefore at least one-quarter sexist-pig.
But in reality, I’m a very sensual person. (My adult kids – click away right now to prevent gross-out.) Sex/sensuality isn’t just a minor part in my relationships, I tend to show my affection physically in all my relationships.
I still hug my sons tightly and kiss them on the side of their head. I do the same with my daughter. And when my granddaughter is born later this month, I’ll be the GrandDad Hug Machine for her entire life.
So in some ways, Solo-Dog is the prototype life companion I’ve been seeking all my life.
But I recognize there are some problems with this dual application canine / human-companion criteria:
- Hairy backs. Not a fan.
- Perfection. No dog or woman is perfect. Heck, I’m not even perfect.
I may be searching for the ‘perfect dog,’ and therefore, the perfect woman. Not realistic. - Loyalty. Most dogs bond with their humans for life. In my experience, most humans do not. Yes, I know dogs don’t comprehend the subtleties of human interactions, the head games we play, etc. But still, is loyalty too much to ask for in a life partner?
The Perfect Dog or the Perfect Woman
Actually, I don’t think either exist. But I’m generally having fun looking for both.
I have some wonderful women acquaintances. I’ve dated some very lovely women. The two women I work most closely with at my job are more than coworkers; they’re friends.
But honestly speaking, I think the best choice for me at this point in my life, is to stick with Solo-Dog, where ever he or she may be, and leave the larger, more complex pursuit for the life companion to the future; at a time when I can offer a woman more Barry and less Solo-Dad.
But until then, I’ll keep searching.
Find the perfect dog for you, take him for a walk, and you’ll attract the perfect woman who wants to play with him – and with you. Love your attribute list.