One of the best things about spending time with dogs is the engagement. You get to figure out what they like to do, how they like to play, what makes them happy and want to hang out with you. At least that is how I approach every dog I encounter when I volunteer at Muttville Senior Dog Rescue.

My goal with every dog is to learn what makes them, them. To focus on them and what they are communicating with their noises, and body language. Playing with Franknfurter recently I learned what his kryptonite is — ear rubs!

I work at Muttville during the morning shift so I am there before most of the staff arrives. Today I was having a fun session in the lower office where Franknfurter was hanging out. We played and tossed his ball a little before breakfast then before he settled into his bowl of chow, I gave him a little ear rub “see you later” and he suddenly plopped down hard against my hand! It was so funny and suprising because HE LOVES BREAKFAST. I thought he’d already mentally moved on from me to his bowl, but guess what? He gave me extra minutes!! I felt like the biggest winner as I left his room and went to work on laundry.