Now, it should come as most surprising to many - should they discover - that I, too, once liked to wink fetchingly and smile agreeably at dogs whom I found just a little more than likable. Even greater of a surprise it must seem, should I confess, that Tramp wasn't the first one to seduce me. I dare to say he wasn't the first I'd charmed either. To tell the truth, I was quite a coquette in my younger days, and though I did not like to pride myself over the little effort with which I turned looks, I did enjoy the note of flattery from which I had turned pink each time.
The walks with Darling by the humans' park often led me to many such experiences, and I always thought it was a little strange; I was never much of a sociable dog - at least, not outside my circle of acquaintances - and yet, I was surprised but most glad by how often someone would try to make advances to me. I deduced it must have been because of how well Darling took care of me that I received so much attention. Few were indeed as pampered as I was, but I like to think that it was the modest and maidenly manners of my younger self that have done it.
I will admit that I was rather unfair when it came to those who courted me; most did not interest me for reasons that now I could only consider puppylike, but I always felt a little sad each time I'd declined someone; they were all fine gentlemen. However, I remember faintly there were a handful who left a small mark on my heart. One of them was an officer; a German Shepherd by the name of Atlas. Marshal Atlas, as I came to know him. But not long after he'd struck me with his gaze, he was just Atlas to me, and I- well, his ladybug - so he liked to call me. Even now I giggle when I remember that name.
Atlas had a strong presence around the dogs in the humans' park; he was respected by all, even by the humans, because of his merits in the country's service. He was a well-decorated dog. His stories, dating from a time when he trailed runaways on horses through dreadful weather and gunfire, greatly fascinated me, but, just the same, always shocked me a little, as I could never imagine dogs hunting humans. Yet, he was most gentle and kind to me and quite a delish for the eyes to feast on. I remember how often I'd begged Darling for a walk each coming day just so that I could see Atlas again. Then it pleased me to learn that he lived not far from my home, and that heartened me to do perhaps the most daring thing at the time. One night, I sneaked out of my yard for a walk around the neighborhood together. I was wary and nervous, but never did I feel in danger. It did not matter what strange alley or corner we turned; one growl from Atlas would have silenced any threat. And what sweet kisses he had given me - I was so sheepish; those were my first kisses!
Well, and there were others who have thrilled my adolescent heart. Though, with time, I understood that these minute love affairs could have never become more than what they were. After all, those dogs had their own families and Atlas had his duties. But I was thankful each time someone would see me for more than just another friendly face. At home, at the time, I would feel so lonely, when I would not even get a pat for reasons not yet known to me. So I'd find solace, instead, in the affection of my gallants, not caring about how honest or transient it really was. Maybe not one of them had loved me nearly as much as Tramp does, and maybe I wasn't nearly as fond of any of them either, but they had kept months of sadness at bay from overcoming me, and, for that, I was forever grateful.