It's true, a dog can be your best friend.

Simon

I've had Simon as a pet for one year and seven months. My sister named him and I'm not sure who or what she named him after. She said, "I've always wanted to name something Simon." Then, we got a dog and he became this nameable something.

Simon lives with my mom, dad, sister, another sister, and me. There is not a day that passes by when I do not give Simon a huge hug. Does he know that he's my pet and I'm his owner? Does he ever wonder why he is tiny, has a tail, walks with four skinny little legs with paws that get cold in the winter, and barks instead of talks? He's found his ways to communicate, though. He makes noises with his food and water bowl; click, clack, clatter, when he's hungry or thirsty. I often hear him tumbling his food bowl all over the kitchen. He moves his water bowl from left to right as if he's created his own extreme sport. Waterfalls all over the place when his water bowl is under attack and I often mistake this for pee if no one is home to witness his treacheries.

Simon sleeps when you sleep and wakes up when you wake up, most of the time. Staring at Simon when he sleeps is entertaining. I count his breaths and when he takes too long to breathe, I shake him and he wakes up, startled, with an expression that says, "Don't bother me, it's time for my beauty sleep." If he ever sleeps next to you, be careful because he tends to randomly kick with unnatural strength.

 Simon loves to play catch and has races when he goes on walks. He licks his oversized bone since his mouth is too small to bite into it. I give him treats in exchange for tricks. Simon sits, lays down on his stomach, stands on his two hind legs, gives his paw, and turns to the right in a circle (he hasn't learned to turn to the left). He's stubborn.

When Simon sees you entering the front gate to go inside the house, one of the first things he will do is bark, run and bang himself against the door. It seems he believes that one day he will be able to go through the door or throw it down. Silly little boy.

I remember when Simon came home. He was tiny and stumbled all over the place. It took forever to obtain my mom and dads approval to bring him home considering the fact that I've had pets before. If I can recall correctly I've had the following pets; a rooster, a chicken with baby chicks, a bunny, three or four cats, a hamster, and another dog many years ago, but none can compare to my dear Simon. I love him so.