Maria and I both have a reading companion, Zinnia loves to climb up on our footstools while we read and pay attention to what we are reading. She seems to love books.

Zinnia is the most curious dog I’ve ever had, she wants to be in on everything. Sometimes both of us read in the living room at night, Zinnia usually reads with me but will move over to Maria if I’m out of the room, or maybe if she prefers the book Maria is reading.

Once in a while, she will somehow manage to crawl onto my lap and shower me with kisses. It’s quite remarkable how Zinnia has woven her way into our lives and hearts.

When Red died, I felt called back to Labs – border collies and Labs are my two favorite breeds. I love the loyalty they show to their owners, but otherwise,, they have little in common.

They love to work with me and are a joy to train, but somehow,I knew I needed a dog like Zinnia – calm, sweet, a natural therapy dog, and my writing buddy.

I don’t have many friends to hang out with (that’s not a lament, I’m good with it) and I am often alone writing. Zinnia is now a huge part of this, she comes rushing into my study and just curls up near my feet and goes to sleep.

I’ve never had a dog so interested in reading with me before, that adds a new and warm dimension to something I love doing. You get the dog you need if you listen to your heart and not the ideas of other people.