One of the things about Germany is that it’s rather difficult to find an actual swear to God bone that isn’t made from parts of a Pig or a chicken. It’s also difficult to find good sized treats for my big dog. Hopefully that’s now begun to change – because in my neighborhood – in the last year, there is a new rottweiler puppy (she’s 8 months old), two golden retrievers, and 3 new huskies. (This doesn’t include the couple of labs or german shepards I’ve seen out in our communal “empty lot” walking area who have been here since I have. ) So, where am I going with this? Well, for about 3 years, I’ve been completely unable to find a bone that was worthy of giving my dog. However, on the 30th of January (call it a late christmas gift), I went to the local pet store to get dog food and low and behold, they had cow “shin” bones in a basket for 4 Euro each.
I promptly bought one and wrapped it up in two bags. When I got home and unpacked the dog’s goodies – he promptly “recognized” the bone and I hadn’t even Un-wrapped it yet. It was quite amusing – I could barely get it unwrapped and he was already sitting on the floor, crying and holding his paws (alternatively) for shakes (here, take it – I don’t care – I know thats for me – Please please please let me have the bone….) and was so happy. After “torturing” him for a Christmas photo of him in antlers:

He got the bone and went to sit on his bed.

Obviously, he promptly wrapped both paws around it and could not be torn away from it for ~4 hours. We’re talking NOTHING would take him away. Not an offer of going outside for a walk, dinner, scratches … Nope, it was all “BONE!!!”

I guess it’s true. Happiness is a dog with a bone.