Puppy Madness Strikes Times Newsroom

Somewhat unexpectedly, the New York Times has a new feature called "The Puppy Diaries," which today's debut installment describes as being "about the challenges and satisfactions of raising a puppy through its first year of life." Even less expected: The author is managing editor for news Jill Abramson. Not surprising: The 9-week-old golden retriever subject of the diaries has the veteran newswoman wrapped around her little paw.

"Somehow I had forgotten how much having a new puppy is like having a new baby," Abramson rhapsodizes. She seems a bit defensive about having used a puppy breeder rather than a shelter, admits she misses her old dog, and cops to experiencing "the reflexive urge to smother" him with kisses. And the newspaper of record apparently hasn't been forced into service as anything other than an outlet for Abramson's infatuation—Scout arrived "almost housebroken." (More puppy stories.)