i looked into the deep brown eyes of a sad basset
he paused ~ breathed lightly with a heavy sigh 
tilted his head ~ eyes reaching up to heaven . . .

i look at my new friend and wonder what it’s like
to live in a shorter than short world . . .
with a keener than keen snout . . .

he cocks his head and begins to speak . . .

“You know, we teach people how to treat us . . .” he drools

looking into his eyes i smile . . .

“thank you Mr. Basset, i shall remember your wisdom!”

“You can call me Bogie . . .”

“Thanks Bogie!”