Wet grass clings to your sneakers as Diesel, a pit bull with a tidal-wave tail, charges after his favorite tug toy. The backyard fills with the unmistakable snap of powerful jaws and the triumphant rumble of his laughter-bark. Every leap feels like a victory lap—ears flapping, paws thumping earth, warm air spiced with that hint of sun-kissed dog fur. Diesel stops, toy clenched triumphantly, eyes glinting, ready for another round. No one watching doubts that play is his love l

Late one Saturday, we wound through the side streets of Jacksonville - my daughter skipping ahead, clutching Rosie's leash as Honey strutted beside us in a Firefly print bandana. Every step set tails wagging and drew out shy smiles from neighbors. An older couple paused, eyes drawn to Honey's square head framed in bright color. Their curiosity softened into admiration as laughter replaced suspicion: "She sure knows how to wear that," they teased, and for a rare moment, nobody