Incidents

Holy moly blogaroos. We just looked at the calendar. It seems that when humans retire, they don’t know what day of the week it is, let alone day of the month!!! We are REALLY getting slack – no July 1st or 4th headgear photos! The Warden says it’s partly because she has no time orientation- PLUS – since her easiest photo model is no longer with us, she’s left with two sour puss pups. Neither the Coyote or I like the idea of photos. Although if food is involved, I CAN appear more interested. Him – it’s a coin toss on whether food is attractive on any given day. We’re still in a period of VERY PICKY eating – so the treat for one day may be poison the next. Good thing he’s cute.

So let’s see what’s new… Hmmmm- I’ve had a bit of a naughty streak lately- but that’s not exactly new for me. Mind you, the actions WERE new for me. First, there was this little “incident” at the vet- and then there was just a wee little incident with counter surfing.

So let me begin the vet story with an explanation. I want to set the stage and explain myself. As you may recall, I went to see the Vet a few weeks ago to get a Lyme shot. And while I was at first a bit hesitant, the Vet took her time with me, sat on the floor, and gave me a chance to get to know her. Within a few minutes I was following her commands, taking her treats and even heeling with her across the room. We were official buddies.

So THIS visit I needed a booster shot and a blood test. And this part was to be done by a technician. The very nice girl came out to greet me – and when she saw I was a bit apprehensive, she offered me treats and took her time with me. Instead of whisking me away, she said the Warden could stay with me and we would go into an exam room. I followed along happily.

And that was fine. HOWEVER…I did NOT expect another technician to come in suddenly. And when she saw my adorable face with my hair pinned up in a topknot kinda way, she simply could not resist the overwhelming urge to pat my sweet head. She reached out- and in a flash I realized she was about to touch my freshly coiffed do – and I snapped at her. Yup. I snapped. I didn’t hurt her- but the Warden felt awful. She knows I’m not fond of head pats from strangers (it’s a thing I have until I get to know someone) – and she should have warned the technician- but it happened so quickly- she flubbed the guardian test. Anyway, the Warden always carries a muzzle to vet appointments- because let’s face it – it’s a freaky environment, and ANY dog can potentially react negatively. Some more than others. And I’m in the “others” category. So she put it on me. Keep in mind – I had never actually used the Hannibal Lector attire before – and remember- not at ALL when I had my exam by the Vet. It’s all about timing with me. So you can imagine how impressed I was.

After the shot and the blood letting, the Warden removed my bondage, and I happily took treats. Mind you, the second tech who I snapped at kinda threw them at me. She’s a quick study. She values her fingers.

So the Warden apologized about a dozen times after the whole incident. Frankly, I think it was a bit over the top – it’s not like a took her hand off. How would you like a stranger coming up to you and flattening your new hairdo. I bet you’d slap their hand away. Mind you, you likely wouldn’t use your teeth. I know- I SHOULD NOT be that way. But it’s a quirk. And here’s the thing-head petting isn’t just taboo for me – apparently there ARE other canines in my cult. Yeah – I know some dogs don’t care – like the Coyote- but some of us really are conscious of our personal space. And we need time, and we need to feel comfortable with a stranger.

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Anyway, that was my FIRST behavioral boo boo. Then there was the counter surfing thingy.

So. The Coyote is, as I mentioned, still in his ultra picky eating phase. Sometimes he starts eating a meal, then stops and waits for the Warden to add something “better.” Yes. He has her VERY well trained. So while she went in the hallway and mixed some yummy addition to his meal, yours truly saw it as a great opportunity to help with mealtime cleanup. There was this 1/4 stick of butter – just waiting for removal from the counter. Which I did. The Warden walked in the kitchen and saw my downward head posture- clearly eating SOMETHING. She raced over and she could see the metallic colored paper from the butter sticking out the sides of my mouth. She said “drop it.” She might as well have said zippideedoda- because it didn’t matter WHAT she said – I was in cholesterol heaven. Licking and chomping. She attempted to pry open my mouth – but I sure had that stick of goodness in a death grip. She finally managed somehow to get her fingers in and pulled out what remained of the paper. I looked at her smacking my salty lips. “NO” she shouted. I shouted back (in my head) “TOO LATE.” She stomped off to see if the Coyote finished his supper. Which of course, he hadn’t. I believe that’s when she let loose the primal scream. I hadn’t heard that in a while – but it’s not completely rare here.

Of course after my novel dietary sampling, the Warden had to Google what would happen to me. Apparently, nobody in this house has ever eaten butter. Socks, mittens, grass, and bird suet with seeds have been consumed in the past by other canines – but no butter. LUCKILY I didn’t eat THAT much – so I wasn’t in any danger. Although, I DID produce some pretty dangerous farts that evening. The Warden just glared at me. And I smiled back. It was worth the gas.

Otherwise, not much new. We’ve upped our walking each morning and some days, the Warden can trick the Coyote into eating his entire breakfast along the way. Other days he takes a bite of kibble, walks a few steps and spits it out. For me, he’s like a walking gum-ball machine. I follow him closely.

No wildlife run-ins. We’re getting so used to seeing bunnies on our walk, we don’t even pull. Mind you, if they’re on the front lawn, and I go out off-leash- the chase is on. Haven’t caught one yet. Yet.

We have no big plans for July – but some company may be coming to visit in August and September. No news on who it is. They will likely be forewarned about petting me. Unless, of course I know them. Then I just bite them and they don’t even have to reach out to touch me. It’s my special way of greeting those I know with love nibbles. What can I say, I’m mouthy.

Hope you’re enjoying your summer – and each day you can think of one thing to be thankful for. It’s a good habit to get into. And it doesn’t have to be something huge – like a vacation or a new car. It can be simple. Like picking some fresh lavender. Or sitting in the sunshine. Or going for an early morning walk. Or eating butter….

Have a good one. Peace and paws up. Stay safe. JBJ