A Favor Gone South

I really like our neighbors.

They are wonderful people.

Over the years, we have kept an eye on each other's house,

picked up papers,

brought in the trash cans.

That kind of thing.

So, when she told me they were going out of town and

asked if I could come over at noon the next day

to let the dogs out,

I was most happy to comply.

Their dog, Tux, is a friendly

little black Schnoodle.

The other two dogs, a black Lab/German Shepherd mix and a Rottweiler mix,

belong to their son and we have seen them over the years, too.

So, with key in hand, I went confidently over to let the dogs out.

After unlocking the back door, I headed straight
for the master bedroom to free Tux.

In the meantime, the other two BIG DOGS swooshed out the door and Tux followed.

Almost in unison, all three dogs were quite relieved

to relieve themselves.

Whew!

Then, as they turned to go sniff and inspect other areas of the yard,

they all noticed THE STRANGER through the glass door inside THEIR house!

Protective instincts were aroused in the black dog and he

lunged at the door with teeth bared!

Yes, this is how he looked!!!

Terrified, I began to push the door closed while they all

barked and jumped on the door!

Yeeeowza!!  - my hand is seriously jammed and fingernails

broken to the quick.

What to do?

Yes, I prayed.
(And no, I did not take this pic!)

After they got tired of barking at me through the door,

they went about their business of sniffing around and exploring in the yard.

I remembered the treats in my pocket that
Dear Heart had insisted I take with me

and nervously worked out my plan in my mind.

Tux came to the door wagging his tail and I let him in.

He's the friendly one.

Now ...

Get ready, get set,

Cracked the door open, called the dogs
"Come here you sweet doggies."
(I don't know their names
and I can't whistle)

They come running.

I open the door,

throw the treats behind me,
the dogs zeroed in on those goodies,

and I RUN out that door.

Thank You God, I left the key in the door.

Can you hear me singing a thankful song?

Thank You Lord for saving me!!!

 



A Dog's Life

These are all dead giveaways clues for my Trudy

Good neighbor bag
(very humbling)

Just in case

and I'm positive that anybody reading this is WAY smarter than my dog.

Seeing any one of the above items will get her excited--
(even at the ripe old age of 14)

Don’t dare let one of them be seen in her presence

Or you will be in for a …

W.A.L.K.

Or a very sad and disappointed little doggie.

Every evening she maintains her vigil  to see if any rabbits are lurking in the back yard.

After the doggie door is closed down for the night,

she heads back upstairs to stand by her bed

And wait…

For me to straighten out her bed

And pull the covers over her.

Cold winter mornings find her in Daddy's lap

Is that a spoiled dog?

Some people might think so.
and I'm sure they would tell you other tall tails

This is my idea of a spoiled pooch.

Recently, when we were in Vancouver,

I was SHOCKED somewhat surprised to see that the menu in our hotel room

had a page devoted to your “pampered pet.”
Menu items include such goodies as
Organic Venison and Cranberry Pepperoni,
Organic Beef Granola Bars and Turkey & Spinach
“Paw-Stickers”
(made with all-natural ingredients like hormone-free turkey breast and fresh spinach).

I love my dog. She's part of our family.
(We even buy her dog food at Whole Foods!)

That is something the rest of us cannot afford.

She gets her hair cut as often as I do.

She has her annual check-ups and teeth-cleaning.

But she will NOT be headed for a spa or the Fairmont Hotel any time soon.*
(I have heard rumors though that when she stays with the petsitters,
she  actually gets to sleep WITH THEM!!!!!)

Don't laugh! I bet your pet has some really cute little quirky things going for them too.

*Disclaimer and fine print: These comments are not intended to be judgmental of anyone who does and can afford to send their dog to spas, day cares, fancy hotels, or anywhere else they may be pampered, petted, coddled, etc., etc. We all do what we gotta do, right? wink, wink