Riley is a 5-year-old mutt. If I had to guess his concoction of breeds, I’d say he is a Border Collie mixed with a Terrier mixed with a Pumpkin. That is, he has the alertness and body type of a Border Collie, the headstrong nature of a Terrier, and the orange color and attention span of a pumpkin.

He was rescued from the Humane Society in Longview, WA, where he was brought when his original owner died suddenly. He evidently was found cold and hungry, hunkering down in fright on a hard, urine-stained cement floor. At least that’s what his profile on Petfinder.com said. When he barked non-stop for the entire 90 minute car ride home I began to get an idea of the real reason he ended up at the pound.

And then there’s the chewing.

He’s destroyed cell phones, shoes, CD’s, candles, pillows, electrical cords, etc., etc. My brother once gave me some cool coasters as a present, which would have looked really nice in the living room on the coffee table, only Riley ate the coffee table so instead when I’m in that room I hold a coaster in my hand, along with my drink, and think about the joys of dog ownership.