For the Love of Splooting

"No, we're not getting a dog," Mr. Ginley said many moons ago. "I'm not a big fan of dogs. One cat. We can have ONE cat. That's it."

Galison puzzle, "The Corgi Museum" (1,000 pieces)

So it was written, so it shall be done. Which is why we've only ever had one furry four-legged creature wandering the vast Ginley estate. And it's always been of the feline variety.

While I'm okay with his decree, I still think about pooches from time to time, my pup of choice being the corgi. It's not because the Queen of England was partial to this particular breed, although that certainly does give them props. 

Corgis are just so stinkin' cute.

So when my friend, Ilona, got her corgi, I was thrilled to live vicariously through her adventures thanks to the sometimes-miracle that is Facebook. 

In the course of my stalking photos of corgis, I learned they're particularly good at splooting. Who knew that was a thing? It's when a dog lays on its stomach with its back legs splayed out. It's too adorable, although they do it because it's comfortable, not to amuse humans. Splooting is kind of like a person doing the child's pose in yoga. It's a good stretch. Apparently, it's also a canine move to find relief from heat in the summertime. So when you dog sploots, it's cool, no need for concern.

My love of corgis spilled over into puzzling territory this week, which is why they've been on my mind so much of late. When I saw the corgi puzzle at a local thrift store, I couldn't resist. Plus, the puzzle had never been done before and all the pieces were there, so huzzah!

It was such a joy to work on. Now I'll take it apart and share it at the library puzzle exchange so someone else can ooh and ahh over it.

Sure, and what's all the fuss about, you may wonder. I guess you could say it's a coping device. It keeps my spirits up as I avoid political ads, social media trolls and other depressing assaults on my sensibilities.

"Oh, look, he's so precious! Who's a good boy?"