I'm Not That Dog's Aunt!

That's what I keep saying, but they're not listening.  Now, I'm even being referred to as "TT".  Thanks, Steve!  (For those who don't know, "TT" is a term of endearment for one's aunt)

Ok, I will concede to being referred to as "Auntie" in reference to the dog -- she is just so darn adorable -- but, I draw the line at kissing her.  Lips that touch (all the stuff that dog lips touch) will never touch mine!

Like any good aunt, I dog-sat Fluffy while my friends went away. 

As an aside. . .I love that they go away, without the kid, and just enjoy each other's company. 

I never expected this little event to turn into a learning experience for me!  I love, love, love, dogs and Fluffy is especially lovable -- not a yapper, no "mistakes" inside the house, obedient, and companionable.  What's not to love about this dog?!

Her visit left me with more than just dog hair in the carpet (small price to pay).  I was surprised at the insight our visit left me with.  I would say I gained insight into dog behavior, but I think some things could apply to human behavior, as well.

Dogs have no regard for your privacy:  With most people, if you excuse yourself to go to the bathroom, they occupy themselves and politely ignore how long you've been gone.  Not dogs.  After she figured out I was prone to leave the room several times throughout the day, she stopped following me out immediately.  But, if I weren't back in some sufficient dog-time, she was on my trail.  If that trail happened to lead to the bathroom, so what.  She would just nudge the door open, walk in as if she owned the place, look me in the eye, and just stand there.  Excuse me! Funny thing is, by the end of her visit, she had trained me to expect her to appear during my "private time".

Dogs bring out the best in people:  Trying to be a responsible dog-sitter, I took Fluffy with me on my errands.  Everyplace we went, people stopped to inquire about her and talk with us.  Wait staff made sure she had water and pet her, strangers helped untangle her leash and gave me tips, and dog lovers wanted to discuss her breed.  This was such a departure from having the person seated nearby totally ignore everyone around them as they texted or talked on their cell phone.  Strangers being nice to each other, making casual conversation, and smiling and laughing.  What a concept!

Dogs know how to have a good time!:  We were invited to a party.  Technically, Fluffy was invited to a party -- I was just a hanger-on.  Our crazy friends have, not 1, not 2, but 3 Chi-wa-was (I'm not even going to try to spell that correctly).  After the dogs warmed up to each other, they were sharing toys, treats and just having a ball!  And, that little rascal, Charlie, was crushin' on Fluffy!  We think he was actually flexing his muscles!  Is it a little bit pathetic that a dog party ranks among one of the best parties I've been to in awhile?

Dogs have mastered the art of just "being":  Watching TV.  Having coffee.  Watering the yard.  Working at the computer.  On the telephone.  Fluffy was never far from me, but she was never intrusive (humans, take a lesson!).  She was content to just be with me, without smothering me (yes, I know how that sounds!).  When she wanted my attention or some interaction, she knew how to get it:  I was sitting with my legs draped across our leather chair and she wanted me to pick her up, but I wouldn't.  That little charmer took a few steps backward and leaped into my lap!  I was so shocked I LOL!  Well, how could I say "No" after that.  She promptly curled up into my lap and fell asleep.  I think I dozed off, too.

If my dog doesn't like you. . .:  If I had a dog, who would I let dog-sit for me?  I'm so grateful Fluffy's parents (if I'm an aunt, they're parents) trusted me enough to leave her with me and I didn't disappoint them.  It's easy to see how people become so attached to their dog.  Dogs know if you're trustworthy and loving (maybe even lovable), so if I had a dog and if my dog didn't like you, well. . .I'll just leave it at that.

By the time my friends returned, Fluffy and I were ready.  We'd enjoyed each other's company, but were both ready for things to return to "normal". I gotta say, though, my "normal" is a little bit different, now.