Is that a real word?

People often hate or fear what they don't understand.

Something that freaks me out is a hairless pet. I guess when you're told your whole life that domesticated animals are furry and cuddly, you get stuck believing that they should always have hair.

Trying to prove that I am not “specieist” (racist against hairless pets), I have tried watching videos of hairless cats and even subscribed to a social media page in which they send out videos often.

I don't think it worked because I had the honor of finally meeting a hairless pet a few weeks ago and honestly it freaked me out.

The little guy's name was Pedro, yes, the Spanish version of Peter or Pierre. I felt that I had something in common with the little fellow. Only the name because yes, he is black and I am brown.

At this family function, I couldn't help but stare at this animal, much like a kid or a person stares at me, having not seen a lot of brown-skinned people.

The owner picked up Pedro and explained the type of dog he was and what it was like having a hairless dog. It was then that I would be asked to face my fears as Pedro's owner brought him closer for my wife and me to touch his skin.

I will admit it took me a couple of minutes to agree to pet the dog, but eventually, I did. I will admit that it was strange touching the dog's human-like skin, but it wasn't as horrible as I let my mind determine.

Though on the outside that dog appeared weird or different to me, the truth is it has owners and kids that love him, despite my ignorance.

There probably is a deeper meaning to this story. But yes, hairless pets need to be loved too!

I had a proud dad moment the other day! It was a typical Monday at around lunchtime. My wife and kids came to see me for a few minutes and PJ said hi from the car seat, but the real surprise is that our three-month-old Lincoln started talking from his car seat after he heard my voice. Lincoln wanted me to come around, so he could see me because he hadn't seen me all day.

I just thought that it was pretty cool that my boys missed me and how quick they learn their dad's voice.