No Easy Job

Well, I'm telling you, this occupation is not for sissies. Just when I think I have Susan and Gary trained, they pull another silly stunt. I'm making progress, but we have a long way to go.

First of all, mealtimes. They still insist on pouring that dry, tasteless food in my dish. I turn up my nose at it. Susan tries all sorts of tricks, like adding a sprinkle of her food, or a little treat hidden underneath, but I'm on to her and just wander sadly into the other room. They both offer me bites of what they're eating but not enough to fill up this magnificent body. But warm chicken broth poured over top of my food? That one gets me every time. I give in and eat.

Our sleeping arrangements have been a long-time battle. When I graduated from puppyhood, (and got long legs!) I insisted on sleeping on their bed. It's quite comfortable, I'm close if they need me, and I'm tolerant of snoring. But Susan kept making me get off. So, I waited until she went to the bathroom (humans have such tiny bladders!) and I very quietly got on the bed and spread out in her spot. After all, she left. But when she came back, she very rudely took hold of my collar and forced me off. Finally, I compromised. I would sleep on the floor, but only if they offered me a really good treat (none of the dried, flavorless stuff!) before bed. Then of course, if they're sound asleep, I can sneak up to that comfy place.

I still sometimes have to insist on our walk. If it weren't for me, Susan would just sit in her chair and become fat and flabby. I allow her time after lunch to relax, but if she isn't getting her shoes on by 2:00, I pry her away from the computer. Literally, that's what it takes. I put both my front paws on her lap and wedge my body between her and the computer. If she doesn't take the hint, I go downstairs and chew something up. Once in a while you need to remind them who's in charge.

But, they aren't difficult all the time. Once a week, we go hiking. And my best friend in all the world, Leigh, comes too. We go in the woods, I get to play in the creek, once I got to chase a deer. So, keep working at it, my friends. Having humans is worth the work of training them.