Dear Owner,

You don't know me, and I don't know you. I do, however, know that delightful, fluffy creature at the end of your leash. Our eyes met across the park, and I knew I couldn't forgive myself if I let this connection go to waste. At that moment in time, your dog was the most important creature in the world, and nothing mattered more than getting by its side and confirming, as suspected, that its fur was as soft as it appeared to be. I really didn't mean to stop you on the way to whatever you seemed to be in a hurry to get to.

See, whenever I encounter a dog, I have to pet it. I have to learn its name, scratch it behind the ears, and tell it how beautiful it is (although it probably already knows). Don't be afraid if I immediately ask you what breed your four legged friend is--over the years, I've sought out so many dogs that I've become a kind of walking canine encyclopedia (and may or may not have gotten a 16/16 on this quiz. I know the difference between a Golden, Labrador, and Flat Coated Retriever. French vs English Bulldog? Walk in the park. It's common knowledge that if I'm talking to someone and a dog walks by, I'll stop the conversation right there and point it out (my friends have begun doing the same). I really can't help it--it's part of who I am. No matter what breed, size, and color the dog in question is, it is majestic and worthy of note.

As a college student living 1500 miles away from home (and my two rescue dogs), I'm deprived of canine company--and your dog, momentarily, will have to fill that void. I'm not ashamed that I know the names of all the dogs who live around me (most of the cats, too) but none of the people. It's not a big deal that I'll go out of my way two five blocks just to run by the dog park around 5:30 each evening and see the newest addition to the neighborhood, a Bernese Mountain Dog-Poodle puppy frolicking in the grass. Until I have enough capital to support my own four legged friend, minute long interactions with the dogs I happen to encounter on the street (meaning your dogs) will have to do.

So, thank you. By allowing me to inconvenience you slightly and scratch your dog behind the ears, you're making my day. Dogs will always be a part of my life, but at the moment (due to typical college poverty and housing restrictions) I have to rely on chasing after poor owners (you) and stealing a moment with their best friends instead. Again, much thanks, and next time I see your lovely dog, I'll make sure to greet him/her by name like he/she properly deserves.

Your dog's biggest (no, really, I mean it) fan,

Annie