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her right to free expression. The sight of a huge, wolf-like, snarling, barking, frothing-at-the-mouth dog shocked the advancing crowd to a scatological standstill. Like the cowardly festering puswarts that they were, the mob retreated a safe distance and, aside from desultory curses and significant one-finger signals, had clearly concluded it was safer to bash Bush.

We drove off as soon as it became possible but halted a couple of blocks away to take stock. Still shaking, we realized Honey's uncharacteristic ferocity had just saved our skins. We hugged and kissed her over and over again; she happily accepted our praise before settling back to resume her nap. For our part, we were glad our dog shared not only our dislike for verbal sewage posing as human beings but also a distaste for unthinking apologists for Saddam Hussein's terror and tyranny.

Honey and Children

It was in the course of our long walks, however, that Honey manifested her deep-rooted hatred for other dogs. Every time a dog happened along, she'd practically froth at the mouth and it was all I could do to keep her under control.
Then, I saw another facet of this fascinating friend. One morning, I was walking her down the alley and, as luck would have it, a neighbour walked by with his dog.
Honey went foaming-at-the-mouth crazy. She had to rip that dog's throat out and I could barely control her. (Did I mention she was a German Shepherd-Lab - big and powerful?).
Suddenly, a gaggle of kids walked by on their way to school and Honey spotted them. Oy Vey. Talk about Dr Jeckyll and Mr Hyde!
In an instant, her expression changed from unbridled savagery to one of sheer pleasure. If I ever saw a dog smile Honey was doing it right then. Her tail waving furiously, she just had to say hi! to the kids. She invited them to stroke her, which they did after a momentary hesitation. Soon, every kid in the neighbourhood knew Honey. She loved people but Honey had a special place in her heart for children.
She would have been perfect for sick kids, bringing a certain therapeutic joy along with her. It was touching to see how tolerant she was with children who'd pull her ears. She'd practically roll over and invite them to rub her tummy.
Honey filled out beautifully maybe too much so. In the loving environment she now became part of, Honey thrived.
I have never seen such an intelligent dog. She carried her toys around with her. If we sat out on the deck, she'd bring them along and sit in the midst of us. She'd follow

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