Yep it was a challenging start today!
It started off on the wrong side of the bed as Dad put it. My little nemesis PITA the squirrel got me all wound up first thing. The parentals were snoozing away and I heard him calling me from outside the window. He just continued to screech which made me agitated and I knew that I needed to get outside without parental interference. You know there was no way Dad would let me chase PITA and bark at 5:45 AM on a Sunday.
I kept my cool, waited and pretended I needed to go outside. I worked the Mom angle by nosing her and getting her to let me go outside. She loves me so she obliged and I took off jumping 3 steps and the PITA race was on. It was full on barking and I knew I was going to get screamed at but who cares when you can wreak havoc in the backyard before the sun is fully out.
Don’t get too excited folks as Dad came flying out the back door, robe flying open and whispering “stop it,” kind of like that Bob Newhart video Mom shows at all her Motivational Interviewing trainings. If you haven’t seen it, it’s pretty funny!
Of course, this sort of calming voice just made it worse because PITA started to scream at Dad! I was galloping to and fro dirt flying everywhere as I was chasing nature’s alarm clock on the fence.
Now let me tell you…a timeout before breakfast is not that fun. However, it was so worth it because it was all about me as usual.
After this, we all went on a walk since Dad thought it best to try to get me some exercise before his wedding shoot today. Of course it was a walk with lots of birds and squirrels and that just made me crazy hyper and Mom said, “he is off the chain.”
I heard them talk about how I needed to surround myself with healthy friends that would not cause me to get into too much trouble. Yeah right, like they can choose my friends. Then they said maybe I needed a session with Auntie Chris about choosing safe friends who don’t taunt me. Like canine therapy could really work? I’m not sure dogs can individuate anyway since they always need their owners for everything.
Anyway the fun was just starting because the bride and groom showed up and it was Uncle Andrew and Sonja. Of course I was banished to Mom’s office while Dad and the crew took photos.
I was irritated because I was not allowed to participate. I don’t understand why? When Dad and Andrew are shooting they let me run and hang with the guys. Now that there were flowers, cake, dress and fancy stuff I was on a tight leash.
Dad said I could be in one of the photos but I needed to pose like a Walter Wegman dog. Not happening as I was frustrated and thought I would do it my way. As you can see by the attached photo – sitting pretty was not happening since lying in the dirt is more my style.
Remember folks I am a country dog and beat to my own drum. And by the way – the heat wave is gone thank goodness. It’s still pretty warm here but today it’s a beautiful sunny 73 degrees in Santa Monica! Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day!
Perry
Dude-
First of all, you are too cool in that picture- fabulous shot. Other bridal parties should consider including you.
But re: the therapy thing-
Remind the ‘rents that you are still an Adolescent. And as Dan Siegel reminds us in “Brainstorm”, you still need lots of ESSENCE- or Emotional Spark, Social Engagement, Novelty Seeking, and Creative Exploration. So basically it is up to them to help you to find that stuff. I think they are doing a great job…. along with a little help from your buddy, PITA.
love,
Auntie Chris
Cousin Perry,
PITA’s cousin has been cruising through MY yard and last week I timed my going out to send PITA scrambling up the Plum tree. I tried to jump up in the tree but it did not work out. PITA eventually escaped via the branch highway and out of MY yard. That what us Australia Shepherds do best.
Cousin Maggie