Retriever

I just looked up the definition of retrieve. Merriam-Webster Online says it means, "to locate and bring in." Fair enough.

Each morning (and sometimes the evenings, too) Daisy, our batty, blonde Golden Retriever, and I play a game. And it isn't fetch. Daisy brings me her doggy-saliva soaked tennis ball. She stands at the back step and chews and chews, refusing to release the ball. She loves it so much, she just won't part with it. I tell her several times to "drop it" but she won't listen. She stand there like a teething child on steroids, and chaws away. Only when I turn to go inside does she drop the ball on the porch step. I hear its familiar thud, and Daisy is ready to play. Only because I have ignored her. Only because I have lost interest. And, as I'm turning to shut the door, this is what I see...