Dogs have always been my favorite people. I don’t like crowds and I’ve always had “hermit” tendencies, being quite happy alone with myself, my wife or my dog. If a friend or stranger approaches while walking their dog, I’ll immediately take a knee and start petting and talking to the dog which, based upon the wagging of their tails, invariably think I’m the best thing to come along since rawhide chew toys. I prefer talking to dogs because they are better listeners, don’t interrupt, are apolitical and don’t tell stupid jokes. It’s no coincidence that man’s best friend can’t talk or ask to borrow money.