I asked for compliance that I might feel masterful;

I was given a clown that I might laugh

I asked for a companion that I might not feel lonely;

I was given a best friend that I would feel loved.

I got nothing I asked for,

But everything that I needed.

I got a dog.

Howard came home from work one evening and there was his wife Miriam in the kitchen crying out loud.

That was a very worthy series of posts indeed.

"I just don't know what to do," said Miriam. "Because we were eating in for a change, I cooked us a special dinner - but the dog has just eaten it."

Don't worry," said Howard, "I'll get us another dog."

A cat is like a recipe - you always think it's yours.