I decided to post this in response to the current expectations of doom about the economy. The political ads in Washington have sounded like something out of a bad movie. I have an English Springer Spaniel named Penny that unconditionally loves me. When I would come home from work when we first adopted her, I would go around to the back yard where the kids were playing instead of using the front door. I would greet Penny by calling out to her is a high voice over the fence before she could see me. She started answering me one day by howling out of genuine excitement and anticipation.

Update: Penny the howling spaniel managed to pull off a toenail last night while chasing a squirrel (ouch). We have a flagstone patio, which may have been the culprit. She was a less-happy spaniel last night, but seems to be doing better this morning.