Tater Tunes In

I can always depend on Tater to tune in.  She is always paying attention.  She is always on alert.  If I move, she moves.  If I stir, she stirs.  I can never do anything that she does not intuitively know about.

Tater's full name is Tater La Totte or Tater Tot depending on how French she is feeling that day.  She was named for her color when she was first found in a parking lot up in Mission Grove.  Lost and alone, she came to my friend, Kerry, and jumped into his car.  He couldn't keep her.  I couldn't let her go.

Tater tunes in.  She is the one I think understands everything I say.  Sure, I know I tend to anthropomorphize my animals...animals in general.   Sure, I know in my head that she a dog, motivated by food and staying safe, but truly, isn't that something we are all motivated by?  Don't we all seek food and safety?  If we didn't we surely wouldn't survive long.  And I know some of it comes from the natural proclivity of dogs to be part of a pack.  So?  I seek the same thing.

So whenever Tater tunes in, I thank my lucky stars that it is me she is tuning in to.  And I think Ching Ching, Miquelito and even Nina (the other members of my "pack") are glad she is there too.  Sometimes I think they would sleep right through dinner if Tater didn't rouse them.  

Look at those eyes.  They know. I know they do.  They know.

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