MY DOG ……. A SURPRISE FOR ME
OR
HOW I FINALLY GOT HIM!
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PAGE FOURTEEN:
CASANOVA/PUPPY …….
REVENGE IS A DISH BEST SERVED COLD!
Casanova/Puppy is now Ten Years Old
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When Casanova/Puppy first came to live with me, I introduced him into the house and allowed him to wonder through every room and to look into every cupboard so he could habituate himself with his new home.
I had been advised to not allow him to think that every room in the house was open to him, and so after his initial inspection of my guest room, I limited his access there. I also had been advised not to allow him to sit in my armchair. This chair was not really big enough for both of us to sit in, and so I saw no harm in this.
At first I was happy with this arrangement, but as time passed, certain events happened and I learned to regret taking this advice.
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WHAT’S MINE IS MINE!
The reader will no doubt remember my relating how Casanova/Puppy was given a bone during his second Christmas with me and how much he enjoyed chewing it on the lawn. Well, at one point during his feast, I walked towards him, as I was going to open the gate to allow a visitor to leave. A I walked towards him, he must have feared that I wanted to take HIS BONE away from him. He immediately grabbed it between his teeth and ran off to another part of the garden and as far from me as possible! I have to confess that I was taken aback by his response and also felt a little hurt that he would think I would do this! Yes, I realise that my response is totally illogical and even stupid!
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However, I feel the need to explain myself here: I ask the reader to remember that I was still not quite used to animals and failed to appreciate that they are not naturally mean-spirited creatures. I am told that dogs have the mentality of a seven-year old child and, like many children of this age group, behave in a similar fashion when things happen that they do not like. Since I was not fully aware of this, my initial response to his fleeing with HIS BONE was to feel a little upset that he would think that I would want to steal it away from him.
Dogs and many small children do not find sharing to be natural a natural response. Whereas children are encouraged to share, and most learn to do this, training a dog to share is another matter.
This Bone is MINE!
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Of course, I did not want HIS BONE or even a part of it, but I was quite surprised that he ran off and stayed away from me for sometime afterwards. To be honest, I felt hurt! A somewhat stupid response, I know!
I remember as a child having a cat who would regularly bring me dead mice and lay them at my feet, which I accepted gratefully since I was told that this was a sign of affection.
I have to remember that Casanova/Puppy is not human and is not subject to human thought patterns.
I appreciate that my initial feeling, which soon passed, was ridiculous. However, what struck me at the time was that HE expects me to share my food and most of my bed with him, but he runs away when I innocently walked by!
I know, I know, I am stupid, but what can I say, I am overly sensitive!!! I am perhaps like The Sensitive One by Ronald Searle (1920-2011) who is overcome by the beauty of a sunrise and sheds a tear in response!
The Sensitive One
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I have to content myself and accept the fact that Casanova/Puppy’s affection for me does not extend to trusting that I will not steal his bone!
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THIS COUCH IS NOT BIG ENOUGH FOR THE TWO OF US!
The Couch in Question with its new cover
and
Stretching out on it before (Left) and after (Right) the old cover had been washed
Although Casanova/Puppy enjoys stretching-out on his couch, there are times when he will sit to one side of it and place his head on the small pillow placed there. He especially enjoys sitting at his right end during the afternoon, as he finds that he is best able to watch me seated in my chair and know immediately should I move. After a while, he falls asleep and enjoys an afternoon nap!
Sitting on the Couch at either corner
Every now and again, Casanova/Puppy will leave space of a sufficient size between the end of the couch and himself so that I can sit in this space. This is not done often, but when he leaves space, I will take advantage and sit there. Once sat down, he will position himself in such a way as to inform me that he wants his belly rubbed! Naturally, I comply and soon he is lying there with eyes closed, evidently enjoying the attention.
Reprinted with the permission of RedandHowling.com
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I have learned with time that the offer to sit in this corner spot of his couch when empty is not always an invitation for me to sit in it. Casanova/Puppy’s couch was not found in the Family Room of his old home, but under the window of the Dining Room that faces the road. As a result, he was not in the habit of sharing his couch with anyone.
On several occasions since he came to live with me, I have dared to sit in the corner of his couch only to have him jump down quickly and vacate it and move to the other side of the room and position himself on the floor! Evidently he is making it clear that I am not welcome on his couch whenever I choose and that I need to learn when he is in the mood to grant me permission to sit there! Over time, I have learned this important lesson!
With this knowledge, we live in peaceful co-existence …… as long as I remember my place, that is!
Reprinted with the permission of RedandHowling.com
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I am sure that I am reading too much into Casanova/Puppy’s refusal to share certain things with me. I am told that most dogs do not have long memories and that each day is like a new beginning to them. Perhaps this is true, but, at times, I am convinced that Casanova/Puppy is not an average dog (isn’t this what most dog-owners think?) and that he is smarter! As a result, I occasionally have a sneaky suspicion that his refusals are perhaps not just manifestations of a dog’s sense of territory or survival, but rather a form of revenge for my erstwhile denial of access to my Guest Room and to my chair!
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And as the proverb states: Revenge is the dish best served cold!
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to thank RedandHowling.com for allowing the reprint of some of its cartoons here.
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I thoroughly enjoyed reading of Casanova/puppy’s quirky personality. Before I had finished reading – I know pets prefer a gift they can chew and enjoy the flavours. Feeding is a pleasurable pastime even for adults. Plus he is not a puppy now – so maybe age stops him playing with toys? However, he is a delightful companion – enjoy every moment you two have.
Irene
It seems to me that you have to remember who is the real boss not only in your house, but also in your front yard, where you have to walk on the grass with him, or on my porch, when you make him wait and when you are ready to leave he acts as if he cannot hear you. You two are so very funny, and in this crazy Covid life funny is good.