A new family moved in down the street so Sparky and I went to check things out. It was early but the vetting process never sleeps. The new people were unloading their Subaru when we got there. I sat at the foot of their driveway and waited for them to acknowledge my presence. Newsflash puppies: [...]

I barked to assure Mrs. Baxter that she had nothing to worry about—that Sparky and I would begin preparing for the Thanksgiving guests immediately. That’s how we did things back then: Preparation. And footnote puppies, when your boss has something important to say look her square in the eyes and listen. No more of this [...]

And that was a crisis that needed to be handled even more delicately than usual because, on that particular day, Mrs. Baxter had a headache. For reasons known only to Mrs. Baxter whenever she had a headache Sparky wasn’t allowed inside. The coincidence never bothered my pal in the least. Back then dogs liked being [...]

  Which never would have happened if Mr. Baxter hadn’t suggested Mrs. Baxter bring home two pounds of carne asada for another one of their romantic taco nights. I don’t expect generation-squeaky-toy to understand a word I’m saying, but what happened next remains an enduring example of ambition, teamwork and courage in the face of [...]

And that was the time my pal Sparky got away with nabbing Mrs. Baxter’s green bean casserole right off the stove. You should have seen him run. He didn’t even particularly like green beans, but that was Sparky. Doubt many pups could pull off a stunt like that these days. Took grit. Character. Reminds me [...]