Not begging. Watching until I look up from the computer. Rules can make the difference between civilization and anarchy in a household. Around here, the rules sound draconian, but it keeps us in order:
Rule #1.) No human food from human hands for the dog...
...although I can't deny, it's open season when food drops on the floor. As soon as she hears me cooking, the small dog skitters into the kitchen and peers near-sightedly at the floor, waiting for manna to fall. When in doubt, she'll inhale whatever loose items she finds. Garlic skins are a frequent disappointment.
The small dog is such a splendid janitor that my neighbor has been known to borrow her for clean-up jobs. Grated cheese spill on Aisle 4! Bacon splatter emergency! Cheerios down! She's a slobbery cross of a Swiffer Wet Jet and a Roomba.
Rule #2.) Everyone sleeps in his own spot. That means the small dog stays off the bed...
...Mostly.
Unless she is required as an organic heating pad. Or for when she's helping wake somebody up. Or if it's very very cold and her little jaws are chattering.
Until recently I thought that these two rules -- strictly enforced! -- prevented the small dog from turning into a begging machine and a cover-stealer, but maybe not.
Rule #1.) No human food from human hands for the dog...
...although I can't deny, it's open season when food drops on the floor. As soon as she hears me cooking, the small dog skitters into the kitchen and peers near-sightedly at the floor, waiting for manna to fall. When in doubt, she'll inhale whatever loose items she finds. Garlic skins are a frequent disappointment.
The small dog is such a splendid janitor that my neighbor has been known to borrow her for clean-up jobs. Grated cheese spill on Aisle 4! Bacon splatter emergency! Cheerios down! She's a slobbery cross of a Swiffer Wet Jet and a Roomba.
Rule #2.) Everyone sleeps in his own spot. That means the small dog stays off the bed...
...Mostly.
Unless she is required as an organic heating pad. Or for when she's helping wake somebody up. Or if it's very very cold and her little jaws are chattering.
Until recently I thought that these two rules -- strictly enforced! -- prevented the small dog from turning into a begging machine and a cover-stealer, but maybe not.
 | Maybe she came to us with decent manners to begin with, regardless my rules. Or perhaps the small dog has led to tolerance around the house for chaos and unruly behavior. I'm not as strict as I think. Is there a little more patience to spread around for the getting-elderly creature? Hmm. A side-effect of rescuing a pet -- being rescued yourself.
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