I like dogs. (Belgian Sheepdogs are neat, too)

And, luckily for me, dogs are not particularly controversial.  Although I am willing to say that I am strongly in favor–is dissent back to being okay in America, or is it still considered offensive and intellectually bankrupt?  I keep losing track–of shelter dogs. In my case, I am partial to fine, black setter mixes named Maggie who were found eating garbage outside somewhat seedy diners–but, others may not agree.  However, if you are among the people who hold alternate opinions, I am willing to let you still live in the United States, and shockingly, I won’t even chide you.  (I’m Irish to a fault; what do you want from me?)

My particular fine black setter mix named Maggie is a sensitive, delicate flower, and would not be suited to the task, but I would love to participate in search and rescue work, someday.  It has been on my List of Things to Do for a very long time, and ranks quite a bit higher than this.

Lately, I find myself–as happens periodically–spending a fair amount of time thinking about Vietnam.  There’s no explanation for it–the subject simply plagues me, sometimes.  This has been the case for many years.  (Dogs did not fare well there, I’m afraid–and this is something about which the powers that be should be very ashamed.  Individual dog handlers, however, are to be lauded.  Luckily, in Iraq, more humane practices seem to be being observed, insofar as the treatment of dogs is concerned.)

Reading this book recently made me think some more–as is my wont.  It led me to this, and this, and this–and, as is so often the case on the Internet, I ended up chasing my tail around for a while and not getting anywhere in particular.  But, it’s definitely nice to see another example of Excellent Progress.

Then, since thinking is very hard work, I suddenly began craving an order of Nathan’s cheese fries, to which I would never let them add bacon–except when I do.  I also checked out the hamburger column someone I know writes–and am now even more hungry.

It is very important to keep delicious snacks around the house for moments such as these.