Bird Poop on My Shoulder

And dog slobber in my hair

I was walking around in Perth with my friend Adam, when we saw a cute little dog tied to a pole, whining and crying, looking all abandoned. I found myself unable to move on without making sure someone was coming back for him. As we were waiting, a few other women stopped as well. I heard one murmur, “I wonder if we’re taking another dog home today.”

While we were all lingering there, a bird pooped on me! Right on my shoulder, plop. Unfazed, I turned to Adam and said, “Does this mean good luck? Or does it mean mind your own business?”

A man came out of the bank and retrieved the dog. He clearly loved him, and they were glad to see each other.

This was just the prelude to a long string of dogs to love in Scotland.

I can’t decide which I loved more. Sitting on green grass looking at achingly beautiful Scottish countryside, while throwing a ball for gorgeous Bonnie, my friends’ black lab. Her ball was completely full of spit, and she loved to squeeze it right on my shoulder, filling my hair with dog slobber.

Or the Scottish fair I attended with other friends this weekend. Hundreds of dogs of every breed everywhere. I was in heaven. I lost count of the puppy kisses I got and the wet dogs I loved on. I’m already making plans to attend all three days next summer.

Bird poop, wet puppies, and slobbery balls.

These are a few of my favorite things.

With love from wherever I am.
Lauren