****This beautiful portrait was done by my artist friend, Stella! It is gorgeous and I treasure it.

If any reader doesn’t like dogs, they should skip this one. I am over the moon with my dog and I recognize I spoil her tremendously and she is a diva. But she is not just a diva. Beauty comes naturally to Sophie as does a certain degree of entitlement. She has come to expect all attention, bits of food, the best and coziest places to sleep, and petting until she feels like she is sated.

I won’t apologize for spoiling her because she came to me in a time of transition and uncertainty and she has more than earned her place. She is my ride or die companion in all places. As it turns out, she is also a cold blooded killer.

When I returned from Exeter, I picked up Sophie from the farm where Mandy and Jeff graciously had hosted her. She saw me at the gate and bolted towards me to give me licks and jumps. As soon as she was satisfied with me, she began zooming all around the farm as if to say, “Look how cool I am here, Mama”.

When I saw Jeff crossing the yard, he proudly shouted, “You have a rat killer.”

“A what?”

He repeated “rat killer” and went on to explain she had killed no fewer than three rats. I felt horror at the image of my angel doing anything so savage. He clarified that she “shook them to death” which did not comfort me. In truth, I have seen her do this maneuver but previously only on her favorite plush toys and frisbee. This was on another level.

Well I scooped her up and told her I loved her. I think on the car ride back I may have even said I was proud of her. Then immediately upon returning home, I gave her a dental stick, brushed her teeth and bathed her in her almond shampoo. Once I was satisfied that she was cleansed of her sins, I cuddled her and kissed her belly. Princess once more!