Underdog

It should be readily apparent by now that most of my favorite cartoons featured animals in leading roles, particularly dogs. Hence, Underdog.

I've always had great relationships with domesticated animals; most likely because they don't seem to be as judgmental as people!! During my youth I knew every dog in my neighborhood. As I walked or rode my bicycle throughout the area, I would call out their names. I suppose the adults in my world knew of my affinity with their canine companions because I was allowed to visit frequently -- even the senior members of the neighborhood allowed me inside the fence to see my friends.

Not every family observed the leash laws (enforcement was nonexistent) and some family dogs roamed rather freely. There was one family who had a German shepherd and this dog terrified all the other kids. Not me. Every time I passed their house, the dog would come charging out barking until I was recognized and then, once it realized it was yours truly, it would walk up to me to plant several licks on all exposed body parts.