Memo to my Darling Doggie:
1) There’s no prize for beating me up or down the stairs. So you won — big deal. You also took a chance I’d step on you or cause us both to topple to the ground when you cut in front of me. In short: it wasn’t a race, okay?
2) I can use the bathroom by myself. Seriously. It’s unnecessary for you to follow me in there, to make sure I’m doing what I said I’d be doing. I’ve been doing things like this for years now, without your help, and while I appreciate your concern, it’s misplaced.
3) Lunchtime is for me, not you. As an “adult” dog, you’re supposed to get one meal per day. Because you’re so insistent, I’ve split that meal into two smaller servings, one at breakfast and the other at dinner. So when I eat at noon, I eat — not you. And stop that begging with your soulful eyes — you’re one tough customer to turn down!
4) The vacuum cleaner is not an assassin. Thank you for trying to protect me, but carpets need to be swept now and then. The “sweeper” isn’t attacking me just because it’s moving forth and back and making a roaring sound. And no, I won’t chase you all over the house with it!
5) There’s NO food in the backyard. I try to keep your “leavings” picked up, but I can’t prevent other animals (cats, squirrels, rabbits, etc.) from using the lawn as their bathroom. However, those leavings are not tasty morsels left outside for your dining pleasure. Besides, that’s just gross!
6) I don’t particularly like cutting your toenails and cleaning your ears. I do it because that’s one of the silent bargains I made when I took you into my home. Somebody would be responsible for doing for you what you couldn’t do for yourself. So be still and let me finish; this will go quicker and less painfully if you cooperate.
7) One bark is sufficient. When the doorbell rings, you really don’t have to bark a dozen times to let me know. I heard you the first time, and trust me, whoever’s there won’t simply go away! That goes for the annoying squirrel playing in our neighbor’s tree, too.
8) Suitcases don’t mean forever. I take you on trips when I can, but sometimes I can’t. Pulling out suitcases doesn’t mean I’m leaving forever, and it’s really not necessary for you to slink off into a corner and pout.
Love, Mom
Musings by an ND Domer's Mom 
And i thought it was just mine!!
Glad to know I’m not the only one! As much as I love him, he has some annoying traits!
I love this list – I can relate to every single thing here! Lunchtime is especially hard because one of our dogs decides she should eat and she barks until she’s fed. After a couple hours, I’m ready to go nuts! (But we have to keep the 2 smaller feedings a day or she will end up as fat as our oldest kitty. Not good!)
That’s my issue, too!! With all his winter coat going on, he already looks a bit “porky,” so the last thing I need is for belly fat to appear. Here I am taking care of him, but he just thinks I’m being mean!
I love this,Debbie! Our furry friends are our family and do need tough love now and then 🙂
Tough love — I’ll have to remember that, Kathy! He just doesn’t realize how good he’s got it. Most pets are alone at least 8 hours a day while their kids are in school and moms and dads are at work; with me working out of my house, at least I’m home with him!
They do get spoiled. We have a one -year- old Golden named Max who gets incensed (we can see it in his eyes) when we have to leave him. My husband is with him all day,most days. They might not talk back but they have their ways of expressing their displeasure!
Yes, Kathy, and neither a Golden nor a Sheltie is small enough to pack in an over-sized tote and haul around all day! But isn’t it cool how devoted they are to us and how they want to be with us all the time?!
Yes, Deb. it is all about perspective. In the end, we love them and really do appreciate their unconditional love. Only a pet lover would understand 🙂