Talk to the Paw

Last night Dizzy Doodle and I had a little "contretemps." OK....a little disagreement. He was being a pill, looking for treats and attention, and wanting to lick dinner plates. Yes, I know how that sounds.

But, in any event, he was "nudgy" and I, being the (ahem) "Master of the House," told him to come and sit. Disney, being Dizzy, ignored me and kept attention to Kathy. So, as "Master" and, I might add, top dog in my pack (at least Kathy lets me think that) I took the bull by the horns, that is the dog by the collar, and forced him into a sit. It was NOT easy, and this doodle resisted to the point where I actually had to push on his hinds to get him down. Oy! What a session.

I kept him there as Kathy moved out of the den and into the kitchen. He "stayed" at that point and, I think, realized that he was in deep doo, at least with me. After a short period, I let him move. Afterward, he was a little more attentive to me, probably more out of concern that deep affection. Then for the rest of the evening he pretty well avoided me.

The reality is that Dizzy has a way of flippin' the bird to me, not so much by raising a paw (although I call it "giving me the paw") but more by the look on his face. He will glare at me, mouth closed, eyes cold and daring. At this stage, he reminds of someone from college that had thin lips that, when closed, looked like a winner in a stare down contest. But I digress.

I have found with Dis that it's VERY important to assert my "dogfather-ship" upon occasion, so that he and I keep an appropriate relationship. Unfortunately, I don't think he sees it that way, and I often get the paw shown to me.

Oh well, it's one of life's lessons. Leadership isn't always pleasant. Like homeownership, snow shoveling, and to-do lists. Yet, do it we must, forging on like Lewis and Clark. I resisted saying like Martin and Lewis, so give me some credit.

But for all of this, life with Dizzy is, well, somewhat Dizzy. Note that last night at bedtime he did cuddle against me. It was probably because he was cold. I prefer to think that it was simply kiss and make up time.

Peace....