As I scoop kibble into Fleegle’s bowl, he spins counter clockwise in circles, with his butt leading the way in a backwards circle.

“Keep it coming,” he says and spins another circle.

I empty the third scoopful into his bowl and tighten the lid back on the kibble container. I use a small scoop to lead him to think I’m giving him a lot more then I am.

“What are you doing? That was only two. Just because you’re dieting doesn’t mean I need to. Don’t over identify with your dog, Raud.”

“That was three scoops.”

“No it wasn’t. It was only two.”

“You can’t count and spin at the same time.”

“I can too. I can multitask better than you anytime.”

“Big words, Big Shot. Back them up.”

“I can walk and carry a stick. I can run and carry a ball, or two balls even, and sometimes three.”

I stare at him, nonplussed.

“Yeah, you can probably do those things too, huh?” he says.

“That’s what I was thinking.”

“Well, I can walk and poop at the same time.” He nose bumps my leg. “Ha, beat that.”

I shake my head in defeat.

“Now give me my third scoop or I’ll demonstrate.”