I am in love with Zak! What a personality he has! You have many excellent photos of him, Anne, but my favorite are the night shots that he photo-bombed, particularly the one on the far left. I actually think he is a very photogenic dog because of his scruffy adorableness. I can see how he'd be an easy dog to love.

As for your fear of dogs, perhaps you dreamt something when you were a child. I had that experience with bats. I'd never seen a bat in real life, never knew anything about them, but had a scary dream with a bat when I was four or five years old. After that, I was terrified of them until I was in my 30s and began using a veterinarian for my pets who recused bats. She always had bats in her office. When I told her of my fear, she slowly introduced the bats to me. I even petted them! My fear was gone.

I also have to mention Bessi. How sad that she passed and you were frightened by her replacement. No wonder your fear of dogs returned.

I really love this story, Anne. Thank you.