They ain't exactly Labradoodles, that's for sure.

These freshmen are an odd breed, I'll tell ya'.

I know that in the past I have argued that students are like cats, that they have a natural tendency to do those things you don't want them to do ("Down in front, Snowball. Can't see through you. Snowball! Get out of the way of the television! Stop stretching! No! Down! Bad kitty!"). However, after a couple of months, I have come to the conclusion that my freshmen are more like dogs, than anything.

You doubt my power of observation, ladies and gentlemen of the jury?

Allow me to state my case (I feel a list coming on). Both dogs and freshmen...

... will do anything for treats (I swear I can get a kid to define "allusion" if there is a fun-size Snickers in it for them)

... lack any significant attention span (says the master of the obvious)

... sniff one another, for some odd reason

... don't care what you say, as long as the tone of your voice is upbeat, they think they've done something to please you

... are constantly slobbering all over you, despite your best attempts to stop them

... dig holes for no good reason (take your freshmen outside one day and try telling me I'm lying)

... have their ears perk up, involuntarily by the phrase, "Okay, time to go!"

Of course, the good news is I've found that you don't have to follow them around with a pooper scooper and plastic bags.

But, it's only October. I'm keeping my fingers crossed and my nose alert.