Measurement needs rebranding

Anthropologists will tell you that baby dogs and cats have evolved over the years to be to be intentionally irresistible. By being impossibly cute when they are young, they are more easily assimilated into human society, enhancing their chances of surviving, thriving and perpetuating the species. Anyone who has adopted a small critter will know that nature is right.

Who can resist a puppy? Apparently not even the most hard-core hound hater.

For about 60 years, I hated dogs. It was a learned response; I’d been bitten and attacked and knocked over repeatedly by numerous members of the species. To me they were all smelly, loathsome creatures—far too co-dependent for my liking. Cats were my kind of pet.

Then, I met Princess Leia and I fell in love, unconditionally and forever. She could poop on my rugs, dig up my flower beds, bark me out of bed at 4 a.m.—it didn’t matter. I was her biggest defender and supporter until the day we lost her to cancer. And the lack of her presence is intolerable.

Which is why I, the dog-hater, am now shopping for a new puppy.