My Celebrity Dog

His previous "mom" told us he was very popular. We got a sense of it when we went to her going away party, before she left the country and gave Bou to us to adopt and love. We took Bou to the party of course and he was a hit. Everyone there knew him and loved him, and we got instant acceptance as Bou's new mom and dad.

So, the next indication was when we took him out in our small town here. We parked and put him on a leash and walked up Main Street to the Farmer's Market. People stopped us to talk - to the dog, about the dog. "Oh, this is the kind my husband has always wanted! He's so soft! Look kids!" Oohs and ahhs and "how handsomes" and lots of petting. He loves it of course, and there is not an aggressive bone in his body when it comes to kids and happy new friends. We walked a little further. More conversations; more adulation and amazement.

We walked to the library, where my husband sat outside on a bench with Bou lying quietly at his feet. Every library patron stopped before entering to talk to the dog. One person we didn't even know already knew Bou by name. Celebrity.

When the grandchildren come over, they follow him around, burying their hands in his fluffy coat.

Yesterday as I walked him down an unpaved country road near home, a woman in a Jeep drove past us - well, almost. She rolled down the window to exclaim that it looks like I'm walking a bear cub (it very much does), but instead, she threw the car in park and jumped out, crossed the street and effused about Bou. "Is this a Bouvier?? It is? Oh! you hardly ever see these anywhere. My friend has two...". And we were off on a conversation about the joys of these dogs, and more petting and delight. Cars approached coming the other direction. Her car was still parked somewhat in the middle of the road. No mind. This is the country. They can just drive around on the grass - I'm having fun meeting this dog, she thinks.

By this time his animal fans had also congregated - five, count 'em, five horses had come to the fence to see what was going on and join in the fun, hanging over the fence.

Bou took it all in. Finally a car came up behind the lady's Jeep and she figured she should get back in and move. So she did, calling good wishes as she drove away.

I turned back toward home and the horses followed right next to us the whole way until the fence kept them from going further.

I just shook my head again at the way this dog stops people, animals, and vehicles and seems to bring such joy. He's kind of magical, cause he really does make people happy, and I always meet new people whenever I'm out with him.

Celebrity Bou. Rock Star Dog. What fun. I'm so glad he adopted us as his new family.