MOM, THE NEW DOG IS REALLY QUIET.

Brandon had hoped that maybe our new pet, Bill, would fit in the house. But it looks as though he's bound for Brandon's editing studio, since massive passive head butts were almost guaranteed no matter where we hung this beast up on the wall.

Just as well, as he'll be a nice complement to the new Syndicate Studios logo Brandon recently developed with the talented folks at Hammerpress.

I would add that Cisco will be happier without Bill around, but it's pretty clear that this pup doesn't give many effs about other animals in his space, living or otherwise.

Sometimes we leave Cisco on a leash on the front porch, where a constant parade of dog walkers passes by, escorting their weapons of grass destruction along the sidewalks of those of us who live near the neighborhood vet/kennel. As much as this pee irrigation system irritates Brandon and me, it would be hard for Cisco to care less about the dogs large and small who march along his perimeter.

You see, Cisco's secret is that although he's almost as quiet as Bill, he is an alpha male. I've never seen him back down from any dog. So while many of these animals bark crazily and lunge on their leashes when they spot Cisco ignoring them, I think he knows that he is not to be underestimated. So their proximity gives him no stress.

I wonder how many people are that way? Quiet, but perhaps the strongest person in the room. Today's society seems to favor loudmouthed blowhards. Yes, I'm absolutely referring to the current POTUS.

My boyfriend is quiet and not to be trifled with. My eldest son is shy and holds strong, educated opinions that he shares fearlessly. As a natural-born talker, I love the idea of quiet, strong people. But I tend too often to be drawn to the loud ones.

Let's hear it for the dogs, women, men and buffalo who know how to impress with their presence—and make their words and actions matter.

This random post was brought to you by the need to get out of here and meet some friends at the Piano Room to celebrate the arrival of Royals season.