Mystery Pup

     Hudson and I were out on a walk in the neighborhood a month ago when a gentleman carried a small pup across the street, placed him on the sidewalk in front of us, and walked ahead.  The pup could barely keep up.  It was such a comical sight, I couldn't help laughing.  The man kindly let me attempt a photo ("for my blog"), but the pup couldn't resist trying to climb into my lap.  I thought I might get another chance for a better photo, but never came across him again ........

.........until this afternoon when I saw my neighbor Elaine struggling to walk three dogs; the two I know she owns (a Weimaraner and a black Labrador Retriever) and this pup.  He is a Bull Terrier named Toro.  He is now 11 weeks old and is her husband's dog (except when he's not!).  I guess that means the other dogs were her idea.  
     There are two "take home" messages for me. First, Bull Terrier pups are unbelievably cute (even more so in person than in photos).  At one point (or maybe currently?) Toledo had an ordinance condemning them as vicious animals.  This is another example of "nurture" winning out in the "nature vs. nurture" debate.  This summer I showed my nephew several of the Little Rascals shorts.  He loved the dog, which turns out to have been a Bull Terrier (there were several dogs, actually, all of them Bull Terriers).  Further reading revealed the breed to be a very popular family dog at the time.
     Secondly, this is yet more evidence that I am not good at recognizing faces!  I know I met Elaine's husband at a party at their house a few years ago, yet I had no idea who he was when I met him with the pup last month.  I take some consolation knowing I'm not the only one.  Many people I meet know me only by my dog. I guess it's not surprising.  They're so much more distinguishable-looking!