Thank you. Opal, the dog, loves me enormously. She's my wife's dog but I'm her person. I try to love her but she's a bit annoying in that when my wife lets her in at night I can't get a minutes peace without her sticking her head in my lap and panting. I know it's sweet but it does get old. I'd love it if she'd lay down by me like some dogs do. I love that about your dog wanting his ball hidden in the leaves.