pup show

This is a photo of Pup (not his actual name) doing his Praying Mantis. It is a sign of contentment, he likes to have his belly rubbed.

On a walk yesterday with Pup, I started discussing with him (a very one-sided conversation, but he seemed to be listening) all of the things I look forward to as time goes by. Specifically, all the life-with-a-dog things that would be nice if they ever came to be. I'm not sure if he really heard what I was saying, or really took it in and mulled it over. I can only hope.

In case you were curious, (and even if you weren't) this is the list of things I'd like:

1. To walk side by side, with no pulling on the leash or darting off to the side to pee on a bush (go ahead and pee, just don't lurch wildly while you're at it!). He's getting better, but experimenting with leaning against my knee as we walk. It's a power play thing, I hope I'm winning.

2. The quick and absolute end to eating poop. I realize it's pretty rare, and it's usually the neighbor's cat treats, but it's gross and you should stop doing that.

3. No more retching in the wee hours of the morning on the carpet. This doesn't happen often, either, but it's really an awful way to wake up (for me, as well as you). I understand this will happen from time to time, but perhaps you could make your way to the kitchen or the bathroom instead? It would be much easier to clean.

4. No more chasing, attacking, biting, or pouncing on or toward cats, ducks, or anything else. It's starting to get a bit weird. Some days you're fine. I'd like to know that every day you'll be fine.

5. And finally, an end to nose-diving into people's crotches. It makes everyone uncomfortable, nobody likes it, and it makes you seem as if you have no manners at all.

I could probably double the size of the list, but these are a good start. Let's go from here and see what happens.