When we first met, he skipped formalities and promptly swiped my face with his tongue. My heart swooned and my soul smiled. I was delirious, falling-down-drunk on puppy love.

Soon, though, the realities of parenting a pooch solo set in. Gone are the indulgent days of lounging until the sun sank low and the occasional late night of devil-may-care debauchery. My life now belongs to a nippy, 5-month-old black mutt christened Rocco.

He rouses me too early by bounding on my bed, demanding a walk and some kibble. Lunchtime is a romp in the yard and some belly rubs. My evenings are spent chasing him down trails, clutching a fistful of his favorite canine cookies as a bribe.

He has knocked my world upside down.

I’ve gladly let him.

Up until now, I’ve lived an extended adolescence, devoid of responsibility or commitment, successfully evading legally binding relationships or offspring. But Rocco has pawed through my habitual selfishness and resulting solitude, digging deep to unearth a latent reserve of something akin to self-sacrifice. With a exuberant wag, this scrappy pup has shown me the beauty of finally wanting to put the needs of another before my own.

And if that is puppy love, I’m head over tails.

Rocco’s Bow Wow Wow Biscuits

2 cups whole wheat flour

3/4 cup unbleached white flour

1/4 cup oatmeal

1 1/4 tablespoon baking power

1 tablespoon honey

1 cup natural peanut butter

1 cup whole milk

Whisk together flours, oatmeal and baking powder in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, beat honey, peanut butter and milk until well blended. Stir peanut butter mixture into dry ingredients and then knead together by hand. Roll out on a well-floured surface to a thickness of 1/4 inch. Cut out with cookie cutters and bake at 400 F for about 15 minutes on a sheet lightly sprayed with nonstick spray.

Warning: Dogs who walk on two legs may beg for them also.