Dog lovers understand

Years ago I had a Boston Terrier, whose name was Fred, who would not give kisses, never, not once in his thirteen years with me.  I had almost despaired of receiving any show of affection from my YoYo, until today, when she startled me by showering me with gentle kisses, an experience slightly marred by her enthusiastic scratching at my face with her front paws. 

Practicing my cumulative syntax skills again.