I like to go out running and unlike some people (who claim they went running or have no sweat glands or are simply not human at all), I tend to come back sweating profusely. If I walk around a bit to cool down, I’ll sweat even more as my body expels excess salt, minerals, moisture, heat, and gasses and generally makes a small contribution to global warming.

On those really hot and humid summer mornings, I can end up soaked head to toe, such that my running shoes will go squish squish squish as though I’d been running in the rain. Those are the days that you leave a trail of warm saline from the door all the way to the bathroom, fridge, or laundry, which ever comes first.

Now Baka just loves this. From the moment I’m in the door, I’m besieged by a fluffy little white dog intent on giving me a tongue bath. First the legs, then arms as I bend down to remove my squishy shoes. His little tail wagging furiously as though this were better than play time or long walks.

I hate to deprive him of his small pleasures, so I’ll sit or lie down on the floor and let him enjoy his moment licking my legs, arms, and face. It is not like I have much use for the sweat anyway. It’s not like I’m going to scrape it off and put in jar to use as lard or soup bouillon. And having Baka show his affections and interest in the by-products of my physical exertions allows me further time to cool down and can actually be quite relaxing, though it tends to tickle when he gets to the ears.