So I was shopping for fresh zucchini at the Sunday market that touts locally grown foodstuffs and produced goods. To keep the community interested in returning week after week, the market has weekly themes to attract newcomers and return shoppers. Last week it was Bon Appetit Dog Day. Patrons were encouraged to bring their civilized four legged friends to participate in giveaways and a cancer awareness walk.

If my better half is home, we get lunch at the market and settle in for people watching before choosing produce and returning home. In his absence, I tend to linger less and be more efficient in purpose, taking longer to park than purchase.

This week, I lingered a few minutes longer feeding of the symbiotic energy generated between man and his best friend. I haven’t had dogs in my life since I was a teenager. I like them. They are loyal in ways cats can never be. They are genuine, affectionate, and companionable. All reasons they deserve owners who can devote the amount of attention redeeming qualities deserve.

The public seemed happier with the dogs there. This is not the type of venue that attracts the same surliness of the Department of Motor Vehicles. These are people enjoying a post-Jesus slice of pizza, perusing obnoxious copper fountains, hand built pottery, and fresh baked bread. The energy was palatable. Strangers approaching strangers, more confident postures and smiling faces. Easiness you fantasize about before slipping into that weird dream about the term paper, the sushi, and running naked through the airport.

Dog days shouldn’t have to maintain a negative connotation, especially if they bring out what is good in people.