For months, my dear wife has been after me about getting a little dog to join our group. I of course have been reluctant, seeing as we have two boxers and three cats, all of whom are very active.

Ive thrown every excuse at her I could muster and she just calmly listened, then she hit me where it hurts: You just dont like little dogs.

Thats not fair, Elaine, I love them all. If I could Id personally embrace each and every one of them.

Before I go on I wish to send my condolences to all those gentlemen out there who have saved one of my kids because I talked their wives into it. That doesnt mean Im going to stop, though Im just letting you know that I can relate.

My problem with Elaine is that its hard for me to say no. I like seeing her happy.&bsp; Her problem with me is that she cant put me in the dog house because I like it there.

My dear wife simply took another route, knowing my heart better than I do. She alerted the staff at F.H.S. that she was in the market for a little furry dog. I was in deep trouble because the staff took great delight in turning the tables on me. Elaine began showing up at the shelter and paying special attention to the little dogs, which is unusual &bsp; she usually heads straight for the cat room.

A few days ago, on the 27th of April, we received a stray turn-in found on Landrum Road, a tan and black long haired Chihuahua, around nine months of age. He was the cutest little ball of fire and the staff named him Trouble. Moreover, the long haired Chihuahua was Elaines number one dog of choice.

Elaine was down there in a flash but someone had lost a Chihuahua and was coming in to look at him. I figured Id dodged a bullet what are the odds it wouldnt be their dog. I took Trouble out of his cage and held him in my arms and the little guy licked my face.

You are a sweetie, arent you? I said, kissing him back. And Elaine thinks I dont like little dogs. Come on, lets take a walk.

Outside he did all his business and when I told him what a good boy he was, he pranced around with a little smile on his face all full of himself. At this point I must admit, against my better judgment hed already wormed his way into my heart.

Elaine, meanwhile, had come in and met him and of course loved him.

Lennie, hes perfect, she said.

Okay hon, well put in a pending adoption and if he isnt claimed well take him home. &bsp;

Well call him Pablo, she said, smiling.

Its a good name dear, but please dont get your hopes up. &bsp;

If its meant to be, its meant to be, she said, smiling.

Are you turning my philosophies back on me? I said, hugging her.

The very next day I learned there were two people who were possible owners of Trouble. I also found out that he didnt belong to either one of them! When I learned the news I called Elaine

It looks like Trouble is ours, dear.

I knew it, Lennie, and his name is Pablo, she said, laughing.

Happy Mothers Day, Momma, I said, laughing myself. I too was pretty pleased about the whole turn of events.

As I write this, our Pablo is scheduled to be fixed. Ill let you know how things work out in the future.

And to all my special ladies out there, a Happy Mothers Day to you also.

Thanks for listening.