My boy Howie (left, 11 y.o. Chi mix) and his pal Gerry (right, 1.5 y.o. Jindo mix) were having a grand old time on their first play date:

Howie, as is his habit, duty, and right, loves to go bork at the front door every time someone dares to exist in the outer hallway. Every time Howie did this, Sweet Gerry, who is a shy but playful young man, would get so excited and be like “omg yes what game are we playing!!” And would start hopping around; Howie would be like, “Games?? This is deadly serious bro what games”….and then they would both amble around awkwardly.

This happened on and off for a while until they both got cozy up on the couch with their mamas! That’s when we snapped this photo.

Howie thinking: “finally this guy GETS it. We’re either independently playing, protecting, or loving on mom, that’s all there is”

Gerry thinking: “I’m not sure I’m playing this game right but Howie is finally acknowledging my existence so I’m gonna keep at it!”