Sometimes you take a picture that just says it all . . . that's rare in my case, so I have to share this one.  

This is Otis, my friend Randy's dog--a boxer, and therefore a goofball by nature. Boxers have their problems. They they don't live very long, basically being tumor factories and having any number of other health problems, but my lord, they are funny.

Let me count the ways:

 1. They kidney bean. This means that when they're happy to see you, they bend themselves in a circle, head to arse, and wiggle at you uncontrollably.

2. They talk. Otis not so much--but when they do, they sing what's known to boxer owners as the "woo-woo song."

3. They burn rubber. Off the leash, they'll get so excited they run circles around you or, if you're lucky, figure eights, until they collapse. Otis likes to do this in the volleyball pit, sending sand flying everywhere.

4. They love people more than other dogs.  They'll never act like they don't know you at Dog Park.

5. They love children and will put up with endless abuse from them. I once saw a boxer, a therapy dog at a hospital, peacefully standing by while a little kid held on to his stumpy tail like it was a handle!

6. They have boundless energy and are always, always ready to play. Otis carries sticks bigger than himself with aplomb, bites sprinkler water, and, when there's an especially nice patch of grass, drops down and "swims" in it.

I'm glad Otis isn't mine to take care of all the time--I'd be worn out. But I sure am grateful he's in my life. I was pretty down the other day . . . and Otis took time out from goofy to put his head in my lap for a few minutes and look at me with his big, expressive boxer eyes. I find it impossible to be sad around him--and that may be the best thing of all. 

More boxer:

Name This Dog . . . Please

The Best Dog in the World