I spent Easter weekend pretty quietly.  I ran, wrote and read Antoine De Saint-Exupery’s famous fable, The Little Prince, my friend Ella’s favorite story. She kept after me to read it, and saying I was charmed is an understatement. Translated from its original French, it’s packed with parables and a profusion of heartwarming pictures that kept this reader riveted to the very last page.

The rest of the time was spent with a few unexpected, not to mention delightful,  four-legged encounters.

There was Maria and Manny, the two pits I met in the park that were like porpoises playing in the distance…their ears uncut, flopping and flying. I called to their owner, “Can I pet your dogs?” All three of them looked up, shocked, since not too many people petition to pet your pit. They all came over, the owner preening with pride when I gushed how beautiful they were, and they were, though chubby around their middle…the Jane Russell and Charles Laughton of pits, full-figured and quite full of themselves…their heads the size of boulders with faces so dear.

When I asked my stock question…are they rescues? He said, “Si…I adopt her, find him.” I knew right then and there I’d love this man for life.

Later I met a pekinese peeking out of a canvas duffel bag. I stopped to scratch his little head while his owner gabbed on her cell. She actually turned the bag around so we could have a better scratch. When you pet an animal your whole being calms itself. They’re like furry, over-the-counter tranquilizers strewed in your path.

I also got to spend quality time with Carmela the basset, whose family is away for the holidays. I timidly opened the gate and let her drape herself across me to get the maximum hug. I grinned when a woman with bright red hair went by and cooed, ‘Tubala, Happy Passover.” Carmela, having no idea her figure was being mocked, jumped to greet her.

“She’s quite a girl, isn’t she?” I said, watching her nuzzle Carmela’s ears.

“Yes, I love my Tubala,” she said smiling, “what an animal.”

Yes, what an animal indeed.

Here’s to all of them whose job in life is to love, comfort and cheer.

We met at Weight Watchers when he accidentally tipped the scale.

It all comes down to who you know.

Wanna see me pull a rabbit outta my hat?

You’re really pushin the envelope there Toots.

I’m just not in the mood, plus we just ate.

A little higher please, up, and to the right.

You’re leading again.

Shouldn’t have smoked that second joint.

And then what did Seabiscuit do?

I’ve never French kissed before…and I like it.

You sure know how to please a woman.

Either say you’re sorry or we’re through.

Screw him…I’ll say it. I’m sorry.

Please don’t underestimate my size.

Breeze feels good, right?

Gotta love that Jimmy Fallon.

Bonjour mon amie.

Not sure about this perm.

By the light…of the silvery moon…

I want to spoon, to my honey I’ll croon love’s tune….

ALL PHOTOS COURTESY OF GOOGLE IMAGES.

SB