So Mr. Shirley, As you know, we are from the PETA organization and we're glad to be interviewing you today on the age old question, "who is smarter, humans or dogs?" We notice that you are in an unusual position today and wondered if you could tell us about it.
Scott: Well when I'm upside down I can really get close to my dog, Cash, and because of the great love I have for him, I'm willing to do this twice a day.
PETA: Twice a day! Well, what advantages as a dog owner does this afford you?
Scott: Well, it's only when I'm upside down that I can actually hear his thoughts and then I'm better able to serve him and meet his needs.
PETA: That's remarkable! Uhhh. . what is it that he says to you?
Scott: It's crazy but right now all I can feel from him is that he wants to outside and roll in something smelly and dead. . . these must be higher thoughts than mine because I truly don't understand this sort of thinking.
PETA: You don't let him go and do that, do you?
Scott: Well he is a dog. . but no, my wife insists that he doesn't do that sort of thing anymore and now only wants to smell like, well like spaghetti, old, old, spagetti.
PETA: That sounds a little better, but what conclusion have you come to, in resolving if dogs are smarter than humans?
Scott: That's a tough one. You have to understand that our dog is quite highly evolved, he not only protects us constantly, has risked his life for us many times, but he also fetches anything we ask, and is our constant companion. He still sleeps on my wife's side of the bed even though I have begged him to come over to mine. It's a hard situation for me as I think he's closer to my wife than I, but I have had to come to terms with it. As for who's smarter, I definitely think dogs are way smarter than people. They can smell out idiots a lot better than I can.
PETA: Smell out idiots. . . what does that mean?
Scott: Well, if you haven't figured it out by now, Cash, CASH! Stop biting him and come here! Come here! I SAID, COME HERE!!!!
I had to post that interview so you could all get a thought of how much your dad loves his dog. He spoils him rotten and can't do enough for him, it's quite touching, really. But I digress. How are all of you? We got to see Jason & Sara this weekend. He came up to help do another open house, but now that it's listed with a realtor, we found out we can't do that. Oh, mostly they came up to go to Sara's good friend's wedding on Thursday and Friday and then came out here on Friday night. Jason spent Saturday, sick as a dog on the couch, so we didn't do too much. He couldn't even eat his Big Jud's meal. We hope he's feeling better.
Jenna & Blake are working themselves to death. OKay just Blake is, but it's so nice to finally have some work to do, that Blake is happy. The kids are back in school and doing great. I asked Jenna if fall had hit Phoenix yet, apparently they don't have fall, just hot and then, not quite as hot during the winter.
Jeff just had to call and tell us to look at the post, which is hilarious. Like I can outdo that. He and Ash are coming up this weekend for Labor Day so that will be fun to see them.
Brett & Tara, I guess are doing well, haven't heard from them. Tara has her US on Sept 10, so she better let us all know what she's having!!! We had a great time with them last weekend when they came up for Brett's class reunion.
Brandon & Anna went to an air show, the zoo, the museum and other various places, celebrating Brandon's last week before school starts. Grant loves the zoo and had to take Brandon by the hand and show him where to go. He also hated the air show because it was so loud and it was too hot, so they didn't see all of that.
Dad has started school and loves it. He didn't go through the starting school blues this year so switching schools must have been the answer. His inversion table has been the highlight of his summer and claims, his back is cured. Oh, except when I need something done outside.
My business is going well also, with just enough homes to keep me busy everyday. Fall has hit us early, with the grain getting cut everywhere, the nights getting cooler and school buses going up and down the road. I love this time of year. The serious subject of the week is food storage. I've gotten enough comments from the farmers that food prices are only going to go up higher and higher. Maybe that's why the Lord wants us to get our food storage in, because we aren't going to be able to afford to buy it. So everyone please, get in what you can, especially water. It's cheap.
We love you and love to hear from you, keep being happy and healthy. We pray for you always and dad puts all your names in the temple every week. Can't hurt. . . Be good and keep in touch. Love, Ma
