A Simple Kiss

Vegas, in most true Golden Retriever fashion, has always been a great kisser. If you put your face down in front of hers, a most joyous expression of her love is sure to come your way. I assumed that all dogs gave kisses. I was wrong.

When Molly first came to us, I got down on my knees, closed my eyes in anticipation of the kisses and nothing. I got nothing. I thought, “Well she’s just warming up to us – give her time, give her time.”

She slowly learned to trust us, learned the comfort of a king size bed, learned the joy of a long walk and two square meals a day. I would bend down, ruffle the soft yellow ears and ask for a kiss. She would smile, tongue hanging out, wag her tail – but no kissing. Molly was learning the art of the tease.

I kept at it. Molly witnessed the face washing moments Vegas would give us and she learned that we were pleased. In the end, I think, Vegas taught her about the dog kiss. I remember the first Molly kiss, very delicate, very shy but it was a kiss. I gave her so much praise I thought she would split her skin. I repeated the word and she repeated the kiss. Good Girl!!

Molly is still working on the timing. Sometimes you can glance at her and she is licking the air, blowing kisses to no one in particular.

A simple kiss, a gentle touch, is all it takes some days to let you know you are loved.