If I had to summarize Pudgy Jake Dodson in one word, it would be enthusiastic.

If you are wondering, “What does Pudgy have to be enthusiastic about?,” the answer is everything — mornings, evenings, walks in the neighborhood where folks call him “Pudge,” a single toy or maybe the entire box full of toys, chicken broth popsicles, dinner time, play time, nap time — well, you get the picture.

Pudgy is enthusiastic about everything...about life...and he exudes all this passion while looking like a gentleman. He is a Boston terrier, nicknamed “the American gentleman” because of their dapper appearance. U.S. Presidents Warren G. Harding and Gerald Ford, along with Helen Keller, all owned Boston terriers. During World War I, there was a Boston terrier/pit bull mix named “Sgt. Stubby” who served as the mascot of the 102nd Infantry. He was famous for warning American soldiers against poisonous gas and was actually promoted to the rank of sergeant.

Pudgy lives with Peggy Dodson and has since he was eight-weeks-old. One of the first times Peggy noticed her little guy’s bigger-than-life enthusiasm was before she moved to LaFayette.

When Pudgy was still a puppy, she took him to a local pet store that had a designated area and time for dogs to play together. Peggy says when Pudgy arrived all full of pep and get-up-and-go, all the dogs scattered. A very large Doberman jumped out and ran while the smaller dogs were trying desperately to climb over the gate trying to escape this black and white bundle of energy.

And all Pudgy wanted to do was play.

After moving to this area, Peggy took Pudgy to a dog park in Chattanooga. As soon as they got out of the car, Pudgy saw another Boston terrier and bolted. Peggy held tight to the leash, causing her to be pulled over on to the curb, breaking her glasses and leaving her with a gash on her forehead, blood spurting everywhere. A nearby policeman saw it all and called 911. Peggy refused to go to the hospital because she couldn’t take Pudgy with her, so the emergency crew treated her at the dog park and stayed with her until she was good to drive home.

And again, all Pudgy wanted to do was play.

Pudgy’s love for play is no match for the love and devotion he has for Peggy. It is joyful, unrestrained and sometimes a bit crazy.

I’d call it enthusiastic!

Ann Malone is a pet photographer and can't remember a time she did not have pets in her life. Today she has three dogs, three cats and one parrot. She can be reached at annmh@live.com.