CHLOE TEACHES THE REAL MEANING OF PUPPY LOVE.

Byline: James Bemis Commentary

It's time to confess: There's a new girl in my life.

Because of her, I don't get as much sleep as I used to or get my reading done either. Not only that, I seem to be constantly feeding and pampering her. But when she looks at me with those big brown eyes, well, I just melt.

Funny thing is, my wife doesn't seem to mind this new female's presence. She enjoys her as much as I do.

And why not? Chloe Anne Bemis is about the most adorable little beagle puppy you'll ever see. You'd love her too if you saw her. She's that cute.

One of the surprising things for a new pet owner is finding a whole dog subculture in Simi Valley. One exists in every town, I suppose, but it was like discovering a brand new world.

Of course, there are the pet shops, now dominated by the big chains. To the novice, these stores seem a whirring buzz of pet food smells and animal sounds. Employees, though, are salt-of-the-earth types, very helpful and friendly, completely dedicated to an animal's well-being.

Dog obedience classes are a must. Chloe's not there yet, but we checked out a few to get the feel. During the lessons, dogs struggle to be on their best behavior. But like a group of boisterous schoolboys, as soon as class is over, the canines immediately resort to their true doggy natures - barking and snapping, seeking dominance, straining on their leashes until you're sure the straps are ready to burst. So much for the new training.

For the new pet, naturally, there are mandatory visits to the vet's office. Chloe and I met a bunch of interesting folks in the waiting room, like Cinder, a lovable, 140-pound Labrador-Dalmatian mix that thought she was a lap dog. And Oodles, a tiny Pekingese with a Napoleon complex that compelled him to order everyone around with sharp, loud yaps.

On our last visit, we met Cammy, a German shepherd with sad, gentle eyes; and her caretaker, Judith, the Mother Teresa of Simi canines. Judith has nursed dozens of injured and abused dogs back to health.

When I met her, she had five dogs recovering at home, giving love and comfort to these poor animals. She's so protective that when Cammy's owners came to claim her, Judith refused to give her back, believing the owners would abuse the dog again. We need about a dozen more people with Judith's gumption - and heart.

Watching Chloe from the kitchen window is like seeing a queen in her court. Content within the four corners of her little world, she delights in the vast realm of her back yard. There, she's the regal and noble beagle, proud companion to kings and queens, the blue-blooded heiress of the British royal household. Her tri-colored coat shimmering like a velvet cloak, she flitters from bush to bush, enchanted by the exotic fragrances of which only she is aware.

Sometimes, she'll just stop, ceasing her wanderings to glory in the sun's warmth, her tail stiffened, the wind's fresh feel blowing across her well-born brow. Then, she seems the happiest creature on earth - a portrait of true contentment.

With all due respect to cat lovers, dogs are the perfect complement to our uneven and variable nature, a steadfast yin to our volatile yang. In contrast with human inconstancy, dogs provide unflagging loyalty; against our materialism, they seek only the intangibles - companionship, freedom and affection; to our fickleness, they offer us a faithful heart. They give themselves unconditionally to us, asking - and all too often getting - very little in return.

It's been said that God put dogs on earth for two reasons: to love and to be loved. Sometimes I think we'd all be better off if mankind had more of the qualities of his humble - and his best - friend.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO Chloe Anne the beagle has introduced her owner to a whole dog subculture of pet shops, obedience classes and mandatory visits to the veterinarian's office.