The moment you and Elaina stepped back into the house after your long day at the farm, you barely had time to drop your shoes by the door before you heard the sound of rapid paws hitting the floor.

“Uh-oh,” you muttered with a grin. “Incoming.”

Before Elaina could even take off her jacket, your golden retriever, Max, came charging down the hallway like a furry missile. His tail wagged so hard it looked like it might fly off, and the second he reached you, he leapt up, tongue out, attacking you with wet kisses.

“MAX! Chill—” you laughed, stumbling back as he covered your face in slobber. “Okay, okay, buddy, I missed you too!”

But Max wasn’t done. The moment Elaina bent down to pet him, he switched targets, pouncing on her with the same level of excitement.

“AHH!” Elaina squealed, falling back on the couch as Max jumped onto her lap, licking her face nonstop. “Jake! HELP! He’s drowning me in slobber!”

You were laughing so hard you could barely breathe. “This is what happens when you leave him for a whole day. He’s getting payback!”

Elaina tried to push Max off, but he was relentless, tail wagging like crazy, tongue out like he had one mission: lick every inch of her face. “Max! STOP! You’re insane!” she yelled, giggling uncontrollably.

Finally, you grabbed his collar and pulled him back, kneeling down to rub his head. “Okay, okay, big guy. That’s enough. We love you too.”

Max sat down, panting happily, like he had just completed the greatest mission of his life. Elaina wiped her face with her sleeve, glaring at you—but the smile on her lips gave her away. “He’s YOUR dog,” she teased, flicking water at you from her sleeve.

You laughed, pulling her close and giving Max another pat. “He just missed his humans. Can’t blame him.”

Elaina leaned against you, still smiling. “Next time, we’re bringing him to the farm. He’d love the goats.”