Charley: A Diversionary Tale

In the movie "Twins", Arnold Schwarzennager and Danny DeVito are genetically engineered twin brothers. Well, Arnold is genetically engineered. Danny DeVito's DNA is made up of what junk is leftover after all the good stuff is spinned out for Arnold.

That's Charley and Sonny. I  imagine that Charley got all the good genes, and my poor Sonny was stuck with whatever was left behind.

Except for some minor issues, Charley has been the vision of health and vigor. He's the alpha male, but very laid back. VERY laid back. My daughter says she picked him because, of all the puppies in the litter, he was the one content to stay in her lap. She picked right. Charley is the lover and the cuddler. And he was born old. Old and wizened. Old and mature. He loves to play outside, don't get me wrong, but he's happy just chilling. In someone's lap. My daughter and son-in-law can lift him up and hold him in their arms. He'll lay on his back. He'll sit in their lap, laying back against your chest. Toys? He could care less, except as an exercise in dominance over another dog.

He loves to give kisses, too. Wet, sloppy kisses. Charley will come up from behind when you're sitting on the ottoman, and start to nibble at your neck, your ears, then get to your cheeks.

Charley is un-neutered and three years old, but I have yet to see him exhibit any symptoms of frustration due to his still unfulfilled natural urges. I doubt very much that Captain Sig (WHO? WHAT? [yes, a new boxer in Charley's household]) will accept his unfulfilled urges in such a sanguine manner.

Does Charley have any flaws or defects? Other than the wettest, sloppiest tongue I've ever known? None! Oh, yeah, I just thought of one. When he sleeps in the bed with me, he falls totally sound asleep and becomes nothing but a dead weight. An immovable force. Wherever he lands, he stays. If he's at your feet and you want to stretch your legs, fuggedaboudit! Is there such a thing as Boxer Velcro? You just can't move the guy unless you wake him up.

His fur is like velvet, especially his ears. I think his favorite indoor activity is looking outdoors! And napping, of course. I believe he's my son-in-law's best bud. And my daughter's "first born"!


He's an absolute love. And I absolutely love him.

Later: Rylie and Captain Sig. And more on Treyce.