These are random musings of my life journey, the people, animals, places, and events which have woven, and continue to weave, a tapestry that is me. We all know there is no real destination, only the ongoing experiences which blend together, creating the trail. Each step gives a glimpse of what is to come, without allowing me to see the end result. It is exciting. I have a home base that is mine, that gives me a place to rest. This is it. This is where my heart is, no matter where I journey...................

Thursday, September 04, 2008

There is a Wild Eyed Monster Loose in My House

Alright, I'm breathing again. And no fire is coming from my facial orifices. But an hour and a half ago? Just ask the dogs.

They have been sooooo quiet for this period of time. And when I moved, their eyes followed me. Carefully. Just in case.

What happened?

Let me give you a riddle ..........

What do these things have in common:
  • two sandals, not matched, one black birkenstock type and one woven leather straps, multicolor;
  • one bra, tan color;
  • one picture of me with China, Ali and Mai Lin asleep in a recliner;
  • one decorative wooden duck decoy;
  • one leather belt;
  • one heavy duty bungee cord;
  • one box of tissues, half-filled.
Any ideas? Any guesses?

OK, they were all chewed up by an unnamed dog(s) in my home in the last few days. My first suspect is Sam, but Max is running a very close second. I have not been able to catch anyone in the act.

I've been a mellow, understanding parent through all of this, realizing that they have not internalized many of the social guidelines that dogs need to live inside a home, and that I, as their pack leader, must be better about putting things where they can't reach them, while teaching them those points. Actually several of these items were "out of reach," or so I thought. My previous dogs and current long-term one have never been challenges in this way.

Tonight was the last straw. The second sandal was completely demolished. Well, the leather straps were; the rubber sole is undamaged. Within ten minutes, the box of tissues came to my attention when Max, Sam and Jazi all trotted in the room with tissue hanging from their little chops! Not that it was a big loss, but it was the proverbial straw that broke this camel's back.

I really lost it. I screamed at them, at all of them, at none of them, at nothing, at everything. I threw the shoe into the trash with force, after waving it wildly in the air and screaming, "NO! NO! NO! NO!" at the top of my lungs. (It's a good thing I don't have close neighbors!) Then as I picked up the shreds of tissue from all over the bedroom and straggling into the kitchen and living room, I shouted, "NO! NO! NO! NO!" with each piece I picked up, about a hundred of them.

By this time all the dogs but Ali, who is deaf enough that he either didn't hear or barely did and ignored me, were slinking away from me. Well, duh, I would, too, if a crazy woman were behaving like that in my presence! Anyway, after that I simply sat back down on the couch and one by one, Joey, Max, Sam and Jazi, gingerly entered the room, found a place to lie down and every so quietly did so. And didn't move until just moments ago. The "potty timer" went off and they tentatively edged toward the door. I told them, in my normal voice, that it's OK, let's go outside, and they relaxed a bit and went out. When then came back in, they have come one at a time and laid beside me on the couch, and a few moments ago, the boys began to play again, a bit more subdued than usual, but they are playing.

I hope they aren't scarred. But I hope they know I'm tired of things being chewed up!

The duck decoy, BTW, sits on my deck and it isn't necessarily precious. It is big, as big as or bigger than any of them. But the little buggers have chewed off about half of his bill. Now what good is a snub nosed duck decoy?

11 comments:

  1. A potty timer... how ingenious!
    seriously, though, I'm so sorry about your shoes. if it makes you feel any better, my two smallest children thought they'd do us a favor by making some home improvements... they colored the tiles in the TV room using their crayons. I know... not quite the same as ruined shoes. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow, sounds like it was a busy day at your house. Don't feel bad for getting upset at the dogs. Thankfully dogs forgive and forget really easily. I think with all they did yesterday even Mother Teresa would have yelled at them. :)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey it happens to all of us with animals.. with small children. Luckily both are VERY resilient.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hmmm... better get them into therapy ASAP. Otherwise, they will carry the scars the rest of their precious little lives. Have you considered anger management? I know someone who, although retired, would probably make some time to help you...
    LOL Auntie, I understand. recently been through the same thing with our Sam. Fortunately, he hasn't ruined much (only because of closed doors and eagle eyes).
    Funny how dogs and children are so similar in how they think and react.
    -s3-

    ReplyDelete
  5. Catherine, that does make me feel better! LOL!! And I'm guessing your 2 darlings really meant well and were surprised at being in trouble, right?


    Caroline, oh, goodness, it's a good thing they are forgiving. They've all cuddled with me this morning, even better than ever! But I learned they DO have memories. Check back in an hour or so for an update post. :D

    MQ, Oh, I know, but I've been so understanding with their occasional bad behaviors, and this just caught me off guard that I could lose it like that!

    s3, LOL!, I think that therapist needs one of her own!! Actually, I hope they are scarred just slightly enough to keep them from repeating those things! :D

    Isn't it funny/interesting how they
    seem to know when you're not looking, not paying attention?

    ReplyDelete
  6. Maybe there won't be anymore damage. When I was married I had a dog that loved chewing stuff. I sort of had a melt down such as yours and he never chewed again.

    Have a good weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sounds like an afternoon (or two or three) around here some days. :) Mommy's lose it - and whether the kids are human or furry makes no difference.

    You've been under emotional stress with China's passing so exploding doesn't really surprise me. Be gentle with yourself.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Daisy, I hope that's my experience, too. I don't like me when I lose it like that! Check back for an update. :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Casey, you know I hadn't taken into consideration about China. I'll bet you're right. That probably influenced my emotions.

    Thanks. :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. oh lyn--i would have strung them up by their toes. no, really, i wouldn't do that. but wow.

    DP's mom was ok with the kids ruining her garden, but when they ate the azalea bush she'd been trying to get to grow for 5 years and it finally bloomed and then was eaten . . .we were told they aren't invited back-ever, until they are 100.

    ps--i will send you a therapy jar--you should start now!

    I am so sorry!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Beans, I do need a therapy jar, don't I??

    I couldn't believe the whole thing, them or me!!

    I hope DP's mom eases up. I suspect they'll get better. Although, when my son's yellow lab and her litter=mate brother get together, they act like little puppies rather than full grown dogs! Who knows! Oops, don't tell DP's mom that story!

    ReplyDelete

If you have something to say about it, just stick out your thumb, and I'll slow down so you can hop aboard! But hang on, 'cause I'm movin' on down the road!!! No time to waste!!!