The Sole Eater

Look at him - he looks all innocent, doesn't he? So content and easy going, not a care in the world. By looking at him, you'd never know that he's really the Sole Eater!

Those of you who know me, know that I am a shoe whore. I love my shoes. I have many pairs of shoes. Some shoes are just special. Some shoes have mojo - good things happen when you wear them. They make you look good and in turn that makes you feel good. You fellow shoe whores also know the love of a pair of shoes that are so very comfortable that you will keep them around until they are falling apart - they are like old friends, reliable and always there for you.

When I got home from work last night, I let the dogs out, they romped and played with all of their exuberance. they ate their dinner and I went upstairs to get ready for yoga class. There it was, on my bed, the horror! I can scarcely think back upon it now. Bits and pieces of my favorite summer sandals. Comfortable and cool, yet nice enough to wear to work. Basic black, so they go with everything. Shredded and chewed beyond recognition. It's other half, sitting on the floor, so sad and in shock, wondering if it would be next to be tortured. Worse still, knowing that with the demise of it's beloved partner, that the trash bin would be its next and final journey.

I knew who was responsible. There could be only one culprit. I turned to look at those eyes and saw no remorse, no guilt, only longing to play and romp more in the yard.

The eyes are the windows to the soul. When General had done something bad, his big, brown eyes had held all of the guilt of the entire world. Guinness has what I describe as "old soul" eyes. She looks to me as if she has seen it all. Husky blue eyes are different, however. These icy blue orbs look as if they could stare right through your soul and freeze it. Once in a while there is a look of indifference, mild amusement, or quiet astonishment at how incredibly stupid something or someone is. A "don't look at me" or " You've got to be kidding" expression.

These eyes have learned to work magic. When attached to a slight head tilt, they can make even the hardest heart soften and dole out treats. Add a delicate paw lift for more emphasis and multiple treats appear.

However, I am not fooled. I know what lurks behind that icy stare - it's the Sole Eater! Destroyer of shoes and mojo! I look at those eyes and say "did you do this? Did YOU do this?!" Those lite blue eyes and that husky smile look back and say, "Who? Me? Let's play! Woo, woo!"

And, like many other mommies in the world, I cannot stay angry for long. He missed me and this is his way of saying that. And I know, deep down in my heart that this is a cry for snuggles and pets, and I can look forward to a time in the near future when another pair of soles will call to me to take them home.