25 Comments

Reminds me of a Pre-Raphaelite painting... can't think which. Maybe because poochy looks like draped fabric?

Expand full comment

Or the languid eye?

Expand full comment

The dog is fine. Perhaps, it's you that's broken?

Expand full comment

Do you like dogs or cats better? And why!

Expand full comment
author

Don't make me choose sides. A Boston Terrier is the best of both worlds.

Expand full comment

Speaking of animal liberation, have you read Barn 8 by Deb Olin Unferth?

Expand full comment
author

Ha, I love that you caught the book. My neighbor contributed an essay that's in it.

Expand full comment

I’ve spent the last hour obsessively considering the body of knowledge of animal rights activists.

Expand full comment

I've been moving to a new apartment all day and feel much like your pooch here.

Expand full comment

this substack is already exceeding my already high expectations. (note: not sarcasm.)

Expand full comment

*I expected thoughtfulness, humor, honesty, helpfulness... but intimacy? Chuck's generosity continues to inspire.

Expand full comment
founding

I second this. These are the kind of notifications I want more of 😻

Expand full comment
author

Nic, you know the dog. "Egg" She's nine now. How time flies.

Expand full comment
founding

The sweetest little writing buddy, always browsing the room for attention while we read/wrote. Ah, memories. You're making me all sentimental over here Chuck!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for not mentioning her epic farts. The latest class even bought me a scented candle (thanks Eric) because they thought the gas was mine.

Expand full comment

today, my bostie turned into a deflated pool toy when I allowed her to sit next to me. I was pretty convinced I was going to pry her off of the couch, the thing didn't move for probably 20 minutes in the most contorted position. sometimes I yearn to relax like that -_-

Expand full comment
founding

My Boston, Sassy says, “Hi!” 🥰👋🏼

Expand full comment
author

Just wait until Sassy sees the overload of toys in your package.

Expand full comment
founding

Awh, come on!! You’re kidding?! I need to find a way to show you her reaction!!! She’s a good bean—- thank you for caring about her. 🥰👋🏼

Expand full comment

My boxers definitely hate being disturb when sleeping! Tongue out and drooling!

Expand full comment

Cute dog. Looks like a profoundly uncomfortable chair, though. Perhaps dissolved bones help? I'll have to try that.

Expand full comment

Classic Boston. Lying around like they're posing for a renaissance painting.

Expand full comment
author

It is a little like The Pieta...

Expand full comment

This is the proof that I needed to know that the very first time I ever visited Portland, on my very first day exploring, outside of Barista on NW 23rd Ave, I did see my most favorite author standing outside, talking on his cellphone with one hand and walking his dog with the other.

And, yes, I was staring, and, yes, I did try to act nonchalant as I stepped nearer and nearer (though my nonchalant-ness must have been very unconvincing, because every time I took one step closer, you took two steps further away, until you were actually on the other side of the street), not because I was trying to eavesdrop on your call or creepily stalk you, but because I was trying to see your face better to confirm it was actually you.

And, yes, I did try to take a picture, so that I would proof for all my friends and family that I saw freakin' Chuck Palahniuk while I was visiting Portland. Even though 90% would ask "Who?" and I would say "He wrote Fight Club" and they'd ask "the movie?" and I've have to explain that it was a book.

I did get a good look at the dog, though, and this was definitely him. This is a good dog.

Expand full comment
founding

So cute yet I can also see the dissolved bones theory. Actually reminds me of what my son looked like during birth, I had previously described him as looking like a snake upon exit but now that I read this it is the perfect description, he flopped out in a motion of having dissolved bones.

Expand full comment