We want to do something irrational

We want a dog. Not a puppy, but a dog. You see, we both grew up in dog families, and the Dogless College Years have been rough. Now that we're all married and old and everything, we might be nearing the beginning of our Dog Years- similar to Picasso's Blue Period but less wah wah and more woof woof.

At the Lauten house at Christmastime, you will often find more dogs than people. First, there's Hannah Denise, the matriarch. She's a dalmatian, but more than that, she's a lady. She looks at you with human eyes, and she has a strange fear of beeping sounds. We share a middle name.

(Gracie on Hannah)

Next there's Peja Stojakovic, the little prince. He is the apple of my eye and the one who will always come when you call. He could be sound asleep, more comfortable than ever, exhausted from saving the world, and he will immediately jump up and run to you if that's what you want. He would gladly take a bullet for any of us.

(Peja)

Then there is Gracie. Though she's calmed down in recent years, it is said that her full name is Gracie "Demon from Hell" Lauten. She's a major cuddler, and loves to burrow in bed sheets. One early morning I took her out to go potty, and when we got back in bed I found that she had brought with her a little slug. Thanks!

Sura may look like Ed, the goofy hyena from the Lion King, but I assure you, she is all girl. When she looks at you with those different colored eyes, right after she steals your spot in bed and lays her head on your pillow, you melt and say, "I never much cared for beds anyway."

(Sur Sur)

Chance is a proper young pup who would rather spend time with humanfolk than participate in frivolous "play" with the ruffians. He laughs at their lack of propriety, but only because he feels so sorry for them. He is quite content to sit in your arms all evening.

(Chance)

Dixie is David in dog form. She is more pony than dog, yet she has no idea of her size. One Christmas someone received one of those cans that has a snake pop out, and Dixie was so upset that she spent the rest of the night hiding behind the couch. Occasionally she put her paws on the back and peeked over to see what was happening.

(Dixie)

Take a look at their precious faces. How could you not want a dog when you're related to ones like these?