 I was trimming the hedges last Saturday when suddenly I heard a friendly bark. It was my neighbor's German Shepherd. I knew the dog liked me, but like many Americans, I'm afraid of dogs. Anyway, I smiled and started to back away. Then the dog leaped at me. Not a jump, but a graceful jeté right over the hedge into my arm. Her eyes were brown. Her teeth were sharp. My time was up. I knew I had to dance. We waltzed towards the rose bushes. She dipped back, snatched a rose between her teeth, and broke into the tango. Even though I was frightened half to death, I still thought to myself...