The Sweet Nothings

we whisper to our cherished pets

What do you say to your dog every day?

There are “trigger” words that ought to be spelled out rather than spoken, such as W-A-L-K or O-U-T-S-I-D-E. Are those universal English trigger words?

But what do say to your pet and your pet alone?

To Ande, who recently turned 14 years old, I say, “Mom loves you more than anything in the world.” (Why do we speak in the third person to our pets?)

I also say every day, “You’re my girl. And I’m your girl. That’s how this works.” (This is usually followed by a belly rub.)

Ande, my girl.

Ande, knowing that stare can get her anything

Give yours a pet, a pat, a belly rub, whatever s/he wants, from me today.