Most dog owners can tell you not only what makes their dog the bestest boy or girl ever, but also what their quirks are that you often love them for (or in spite of). I think we all have those moments of thinking that our dog is just not right, whether it’s a one time silly thing they do or a regular habit they have. Sometimes, these are the things we miss the most when they are no longer with us.

One of Rose’s quirks is that she loves having her ears massaged, but she isn’t content with just a scritch behind the ear. What Rosie wants is for you to stick your knuckle inside her ear and press in as far as you can. You know you’ve done it right when this little groan comes out from deep inside her tiny body. Then, she’ll stop and lick your knuckle. I’ve told her it’s weird, but she doesn’t care.

Truth be told, sometimes I think she’s a little like me in her preference to not be like everyone else. Rose seems to embrace her quirks and I sometimes imagine that if she were human, she’d rock a band t-shirt, leather jacket, Dr. Martens and diamond jewelry. She likes what she likes and everyone else can pound sand. Since I tend to appreciate things that are unique and different, I suppose that’s another thing that makes us a perfect match.

The other night, though, I think she took this quirkiness to a level that’s definitely just not right, even for me. I will say that with the weather being really cold last week, I wasn’t surprised that she decided she was sleeping under the covers beside me. What did surprise me was the night she decided she was not sleeping under the covers. I soon found out why. Rose had the idea that I was going to massage her ears for her all night.

I tried explaining the human need for sleep, telling her enough was enough and even got up to use the bathroom in the hopes that she’d doze off while I was away for a few minutes. No such luck on any of those ideas. I finally burrowed under the covers myself, turned my back to her and tucked my hands under my pillow. It’s true that I could tell her to get out of bed, but I didn’t have the heart and she is nice to help keep warm.

Maybe that’s because her other quirk is that she can’t stand to see Mr. Taleteller kiss me. Any time he does, she pops up and gives me a kiss in the same spot, essentially erasing his cooties. She makes her feelings about that very clear, and I admit, I can’t help but laugh. I know, I’m probably creating my own monster, but darned if I can help it.