I was sitting in my chair reading when I got up to cook dinner – fresh scallops and baked sweet potato – and I was suddenly set up by two of my dogs, Bud, who hopped up on my knee, and Zinnia, who reached up and gave my face a good car wash.

Fate is above such things, she seeks affection on her own and when the other dogs are not around. All three are sweet and loving. Maria was sitting on the sofa across from me and snapped this photo. It pretty much says it all.

I am blessed to be loved by a human and three wonderful dogs.