I’ve developed a habit for likening the men in my life to different breeds of dogs. I prefer to think I do this for their loyal, playful and companionable behaviours, and not because they chase after everything on heat and I’m constantly cleaning up after them.

 

Once upon a time I was in love with a slightly older golden retriever. He had great retriever qualities; constant companionship, deep affection, playfulness and was great with kids. He knew he would always be one of the prettiest dogs in the park, but was old enough to prefer napping next to you on the couch to constantly begging for attention.

 

My ex, Norway, is a yellow lab. He possesses many of the great retriever qualities, but lacks that subtle strength and understated nobility. His previous owner left him home alone a lot and he has all the traits of a neglected pup – is so grateful to have someone to play with that he drowns you in affection and whimpers when you leave the house.

 

I have a friend here, (one of the five) The Chocolate Lab. I met the chocolate lab about a year ago at a work dinner. He’s a good looking animal in his own right, but the darker coat doesn’t quite have the same effect on me (gentlemen don’t get a moratorium on preferring blondes) and he’s slightly shorter than I’d normally choose. Beyond that, he’s a good stolid lab, with a good pedigree. He follows my dad around like, well, a puppy, but there’s a lot there to appreciate.

 

I’ve been put on notice that the chocolate lab’s owner is sending him back to the pound. Different temperaments and all that. The question now is, in Indonesia, is a chocolate lab enough for a golden retriever girl, or is it just time to move a more dog friendly neighbourhood?