Day 281: It's a dogs life

More dog sitting fo rme today, but thankfully I managed to keep the toys off the roof and myself from being locked out of the house.

While I was there I started thinking. I'd like to be a dog for a day.

They are so happy, like little kids exploring the world for the first time, but they are like that every day!

Look at a dog with its head out a car window the next time you see one. The look on their face is priceless... they are so excited to be enjoying the simple pleasures in life.

We could learn a lot from dogs.

In between dog shifts today I was at home and heard a knock at the door. When I answered there was a gentleman I had never seen before who started to tell me about a local organization that helps those in need, homelss, elderly, those just let out of prison looking to get back on their feet.

Beep.. beep... beep... back up. Ex-Cons? I'm all for helping people turn their life around, but I'm not exactly thrilled with them knocking on my door.

He proceeded to tell me he was released from the DOC (Dept. of Corrections) last week and he was getting back on his feet, and he has been with the organization off and on for the past 12 years.

I think to myself, great, he's been in and out of prison for the past 12 years? Perfect. I'm pretty much in a no win situation. If I don't give him a donation, he knows where I live, if I do give him a donation he knows where I live.

I decide to go with my heart and give them a donation. I have done it in the past, and I am pretty fortunate and have the money to do it. I'm not loaded but I can avoid the coffee shop for a few days and be ok.

As I went to grab my checkbook I heard him say 'I hope your dog doesn't get out' because I left the door open a crack.

Then, as I was handing him my donation he said 'I like the way your hair brings out your hazel eyes.' I was stunned! I said 'thank you, have a nice day' and then he proceeded to say 'Don't tell your husband or boyfriend I was flirting with you.'

Ok, now I'm starting to get a little freaked out. Once again I said 'have a nice day' and he left.

But he left me thinking maybe I need a dog.

At the Christmas in July party the Cheerleader said 'you should get a dog'. I asked why she thought that? Because I live in a crappy neighborhood? She said 'no, because your a single woman living alone and it would make me feel better if you had a dog.'

After today's exchange, I think she may be right.

I know the guys that ask for donations with this organization get dropped off as a group in a neighborhood, so I'm not terribly concerned the guy will come back but it was a little creepy and it is a good reminder about my safety.

Just the other day I was thinking this is a really safe neighborhood as I walked to my front door. I'm not saying its not, but maybe this is a wake up call.

I can always use more love in my life right? And there's no better way to get unconditional love than from a dog. This one is going to need some deep thinking.