Jul 17 2009
Dog Days
We have a new additional to our family right now. It’s causing a mild uproar throughout. We are taking care of a friend’s dog at our house for a week. The dog is a seven-year old cocker spaniel. We thought this would be a good opportunity to see how the kids would do with a larger pet than they’ve had so far. Plus, the daughter has been hinting, pestering, wondering when a family dog was coming into her life.
Well, after about two days, I think most of the family would agree that a dog won’t be forthcoming any time in the near future.
The dog has been great, no barking, no mishaps, just not what everyone was envisioning. First off, the kids have been doing well. They’ve fed the dog and walked the dog and tried to engage the dog. The dog is having none of that. Throw a ball hoping to start a game of fecth? Nothing. Throw a frisbee out in the backyard? Nothing. Let the dog out to run in the backyard (fenced by the way)? Nothing. The kids, I think, are wondering to themselves why the dog won’t play. I am wondering the same thing. I don’t know whether it’s an age thing or that his owners never play with him. I’ve never seen a dog that doesn’t quite want to do anything dog-like as much as this dog.
My wife, who was championing the childrens’ cause is now solidly in the “don’t ever want a dog” camp. The dog has imprinted on her and follows her constantly. Take a shower? Dog is right there when you come out of the bathroom. Go into the office? Dog follows and plops down at your feet. Answer the phone? Dog follows. It’s unnerving to my wife.
The last thing the dog has done to do the family dog a disservice is to look at everyone pleadingly while they eat. Both my wife and myself like a small snack here and there throughout the day. You turn around, and the dog’s looking at you, staring. You can feel the hunger. You can hear the words, “what about me?” I feel guilty eating anything in the dog’s sight. I suppose it would be good for weight loss, but I don’t need to lose weight and don’t want to feel guilty about eating something.
I guess to dog jumped up onto the bed this morning to wake up my wife. Not a career enhancing move. So, I think everything is cool on the dog front now and I won’t be hearing pleas any more.
Caveat:
I love dogs and had dogs in my family growing up. One of the worst days of my life was when my father took it upon himself to euthanize one of the dogs. I never got to say goodbye and it bothers me still to this day.
