Axl recharging his batteries with Rick

The past week I have had a 3-4 month old Pit Bull puppy named Axl staying with me. I have to share with you what it is like to live with this boy. He's actually a visitor from the Caruthersville Humane Society named Van Gough. Most of you know how I come to name dogs. It just sort of falls out of my mouth. I also tend to call other people's dogs by whatever comes to mind. My friend Teri has a Lab I've been calling Twinkie for at least a year. I forget what the dog's actual name is.

First, as a way of introducing you to Axl, let me explain that he is the male version of Emma. Cute to a fault and so scary smart it is a daily challenge to stay ahead of him. He worships Emma. He should, they have the exact same outlook on life. "I am wonderful and you are lucky to spend time with me".

In one week's time, Axl has learned many valuable things living with me and "the pack". For anyone that has never experienced my pack as a whole unit, I am like the mom with the kids people avoid. People run when they see you coming because your crew is a menace. I love them, but I do understand we tend to be a bit much to the outside world.

I call the following observations, Axlisms:

1.When your head is the size and color of an orange it is best not to try to intercept food being tossed to grown dogs that can swallow a watermelon whole.

2.Emma loves her toy squirrels. She will allow you to play with all the other toys, but she will pull your teeth out of your head if you don't let go of her squirrels.

3.The animals running on the TV do not run out the back of the set. There is no real need to panic.

4.Ricky is a very big boy. He enjoys napping 23 1/2 hours a day. If you annoy him while he is napping, he will roll over on you and not move again. No amount of squealing will bother him. He doesn't care.

5.Tori and Emma can run like lightening in the backyard. If you can't keep up, it is best to get out of their way. They will run right over you, twice if they get the chance.

6.There is no shortage of shampoo and no limit on the number of baths you can receive in one day. (See #5 and don't play in the puddles)

7.The cat is a lot of fun, but it is advisable not to pick her up like a toy. She may not look very big, but she can hit you in the face like a heavy weight boxer.

8.There are no back doors in the crates. If you are going to torment Emma and Tori into chasing you, the crate is not a good choice for escape.

9.Being housebroken has its rewards. You get cookies for going outside. You must be able to do something because you can not fake out the pack leader. She knows when you are faking. (This may help explain how male dogs learn to save that one drop for marking purposes.)

10.Riding in the car is fun, but you need to stay in one place or you will end up being a seat cushion.

11. One of the most important lessons Axl has learned is, you should say something when you are put in your crate if the cat is already in there. Small close places are not fun with a creature that has psychotic tendancies. It may seem like fun in the beginning, but it can quickly change.

Axl is available for adoption through the Caruthersville Humane Society. They can be reached at 573-333-0100. I can promise he will never be a boring companion.

UPDATE: Chris Rock learned a very expensive lesson because of the crass comments he made regarding Michael Vick and Pit Bulls on the Jay Leno Show. He was the front runner to play Richard Pryor in an upcoming movie of the late comedian's life. Mrs. Pryor is an animal lover and activist. Chris Rock was removed from consideration for the lead role in the movie because she found his remarks insulting and in very poor taste.

And how was your week?!