Some of you may have noticed lately that posting has been light here on YourDailyThomas.com. The explanation lies beneath the howls of one previously unnamed border collie, who charmed her way into my home and into my heart only to turn around and drive my entire household completely insane.

You guys, this dog has challenged everything that I believe to be right and good in this world. From the destroying of the brand new carpet, to the barking all night long, to the games of You Chase Me While I Chase The Cat…our little Tess has been the cause of both hisses and tears. I am not ashamed to admit that I am afraid — not so much of the bad things that she does, but mostly of how ADORABLE she looks while she’s doing the bad things that she does. Before I can even mutter the first harsh word, she plops down on the floor, cocks her head to the side and looks at me with a face that says “Okay, I know this seems bad, but let’s focus on how cute I am for a minute.”

I’ve met my match.

God must be punishing me for all the whining and misbehaving I’ve put my mother through over the years, and do you know what? The mischief was even cuter when I did it.

No good can come of this.

The verdict is in. I have unmistakeably and irrevocably fallen completely head over heels in love with this little shithead.