Having a Siberian Husky is a messy endeavor. Our house, our car and our clothing are constantly covered in fur. It seems that it is shedding season year round. When we turn on the fan, tumbleweeds come rolling out from under the sofa where they were hiding.

Our hardwood floors are scratched from all the times Roli has run across them excitedly while playing. He often gets “cartoon feet” in which he tries running too fast and doesn’t actually get anywhere. (It’s hilarious to see.). When he drinks, he leaves a trail of water on the floor (which I inevitably step in).

Since we moved from the UK to the US, he gets anxiety and can’t be left in the house alone. He sometimes wakes me up in the middle of the night because he wants to go out. He hasn’t learned that he should leave porcupines alone, even after being quilled twice.

Despite all this, I can’t imagine life without him.

From Roli’s perspective, I work too much and don’t give him as many treats as he’d prefer. He doesn’t understand why I sometimes spend time with my laptop instead of paying attention to him. Even as I write this, he is pawing at my keyboard. Still, he doesn’t seem to hold it against me.

What do you find surprisingly acceptable from those whom you love unconditionally?