Today I'm not feeling too swell.
But I am thankful for my dogs. They have changed my life. I think they help satisfy the large part of me that wants to give, to care for something other than myself. Their personalities are like yin and yang.
Joker (the white dog) is mellow and a little bit morose or "Eeyore"; "unbelievably loveable..[and] dismally gloomy for almost eternity. But that’s not Eeyore’s perception of himself, according to him; he doesn’t expect too much of himself and therefore remains quiet for most of the time." I think that is about right for Joker. I would say he is more Yin. Joker is 5. Joker gets really wound up when we come home from work, when he sees the leash, a bike, one of our ski buddies pull into the drive way, and on the way to the dog park. He could care less about toys, but will fetch something for you if Bogie is not around to annoy him (especially if he knows you have a treat). Its pretty flattering to have his undying affection.
Bogie, on the other hand, is about to turn 3. He is yang. He is very crazy and gets riled up easily; he always wants to play. He is obsessive about toys and wont give you any rest if he has a toy, frisbee, etc., or if said object is within sight but out of reach (say, under the couch). We once played fetch with him in a glacial lake, and couldn't figure out why he was whining and acting stressed out while he swam for the ball. Then we got it: he began shivering. But wouldn't get out of the water until we put yhr ball away. But he is oddly calm whenever Joker is losing it (see above). I feel he has no cartoon doppleganger. He is oddly affectionate for such a crazy, high energy dog. I like the spice he brings into our lives. He's a big motivator to get outdoors as well.
