Bud is our smallest dog, but he doesn’t know that. He is the undisputed and unchallenged chairman of the Treat Committee at Bedlam Farm.

When I step out of the shower, he is front and center, wagging his stumpy tail and barking if necessary to get me moving to the treat drawer. He is the Little King, small in size, enormous in ego. He fears nothing, as Fate learns whenever she comes near his food bowl..

I realized this week that I’m disappointed if they are not out there waiting for me when I come out into the kitchen.