Now that’s not normal but what is these days?
We all begin to adjust to our “new arrival” in our own individual ways. In the aftermath of the festive season there is a more than usual amount of messiness around. I warn everyone that things left about are likely to be chewed, or if they’re very unlucky, eaten. As usual, no-one pays any heed. I list a lengthy record of similar occurrences that they have each directly experienced with other people’s dogs in the recent and not so recent past. My list and the repeats of my list, sound like my own silent solo. A scratched record.
I prepare mentally for the first casualty. Which child victim? Which precious toy? I don’t need to wait long.
I gallop at the first scream of agony.
In the family room I find my son knelt on the floor before the dog with his hands under his muzzle, “dwop it “Fatcher!”
“Use a firm voice dear,” I encourage.
“Dwop it Fatcher!”
“Maybe he doesn’t recognise his name? You could try the ‘th‘ sound?”
“Dwop it f f th thatcher!”
Thatcher reluctantly drops the package of sharp plastic corners, part of a prized Christmas present. He slips the packet into the back of his pyjama bottoms, out of sight, so that both hands are free to pet and praise the dog for his amazing feat of obedience. Perfectly sequenced steps. Seamless ideation. We chorus good dog. My son chortles deliciously as Thatcher licks his ears and neck. He expresses no concern or anger at the ruined toy.
Lesson learned.
“He dun bin choke on dat bad fing!”
His sole concern is the welfare of the dog.
Several lessons learned.
Below is a picture of yet more advanced social skills. My son and Thatcher curl up for a cat nap, which may not be of any great significance. Only the real baby sleeps. However, if I also consider the fact that this is 15 minutes into the sacred ‘electronics’ time, half way through his precious half an hour, then this would seem infinitely preferable and maybe a teeny tiny bit admirable, but there, I’m letting my bias show.
As his little brother said:-
“Finally! Someone who likes fire hydrants as much as me.”
It’s probably a Garfield quote.
Don’t forget to nip along and say ‘hi de ho’ to “Michelle’s” family over at “Full Soul Ahead,” and see if you might be able to “help out” with her post called “A Service Dog For Riley.”
January 4th, 2009 at 11:58 pm
Wow! Those photos are awesome! What a cutie pie!
January 5th, 2009 at 12:09 am
is that the beginnings of a little beard i see? on thatcher i mean…
living with dogs has hugely enhanced our lives - my son adores them.
January 5th, 2009 at 8:47 am
aww, bless his little forgiving, dog-loving heart. how sweet is that on all accounts?
January 5th, 2009 at 8:50 am
Many lessons learned, indeed! And, oh my goodness, when did your son get to be so big? (I mean in the “grown up” sense.) I think Fatcher, erm, Thatcher will prove to be a good thing for your family —especially the boys.
January 5th, 2009 at 11:00 am
What a sweetie dog. Obviously the puppy will be as large as your son. Wow! Would love to have a dog in our place, but complex doesn’t allow pets and I’m not sure how Brendan would react! Thanks Maddy for sharing the photos.
January 5th, 2009 at 11:10 am
He’s just so grown up! And so sweet! Sounds like you are on your way to a successful assimilation. Yay. Oh, and “Fatcher” is cute too!
January 5th, 2009 at 11:26 am
i love that puppy!
January 5th, 2009 at 1:03 pm
Awww, that is so sweet!
January 5th, 2009 at 1:46 pm
What a beautiful puppy!Thatcher? I must admit with my political leanings I might go for Attlee myself! I look forward to many delightful and witty posts on the subject of this doggy!
January 5th, 2009 at 3:01 pm
I’m not a “dog person,” but that is one cute dog. Congrats on the new addition!
January 5th, 2009 at 7:32 pm
Everyone needs a Thatcher in their world.
January 5th, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Now that I see a full length picture I’ve got to ask - that’s a puppy? M’dear, I think you’ve been horns waggled and what you have there is a small moose with a tail! A cute one, though, I must say!
I love that second picture - it’s truly priceless!
January 6th, 2009 at 6:33 am
Oh my goodness! I love this. And what an adorable pup. Yes, the lessons learned: I think that’s what they mean by “priceless.”
January 6th, 2009 at 7:32 am
LOVE that puppy face! :o)
January 6th, 2009 at 10:24 am
I don’t know which is cuter - the puppy or “Dwop it Fatcher!”
January 8th, 2009 at 9:11 am
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January 9th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
That is some awesome skills from your boys there!
January 11th, 2009 at 9:36 pm
Oh, that all is too cute! Love your new pup and his snuggly human.