Sunday, March 2, 2014

Puppy Sitting

When Katie and Bill told me they were headed out of town with the boys this weekend, and asked if I'd be around to look after Oden and Freya, of course I agreed. I had no plans in particular, except to get ready for next weekend's departure to sunny F-L-A (!). So, when I took over care of the pups yesterday afternoon in their own home (since mine is not sufficiently puppy-proofed), I expected to be busy keeping up with a 4-month-old Bernese Mountain pup  (Freya) and figured Oden, the 8-year-old Black Lab, would be a spectator, pretty much. Which IS pretty much how it's been. Nothing is safe from the jaws and razor-sharp teeth of a 4-month-old puppy. It's been an aerobic exercise chasing her and removing items from her vice-like jaw, a jaw protected with razor-wire teeth. I have to figure out just where the gaps are, where I can jam my fingers in, without risk to my hands. Right now I'm sporting a slice on my thumb. There's a learning curve.

We started out well. I fed both dogs their dinners. Freya dined in her "yard," a six-foot square fencing system located near the kitchen, open on top, with a gate. The only thing she does in there is eat, or the occasional short locked-up stints if someone has to leave for a while. She has dinner in her space and Oden is free to eat without interruption, for which he is eternally grateful. There are the frequent trips outdoors for Freya to "do her thing" and she is, without going into graphic detail, quite productive. The problem is that she is equally productive on the other side of the door -- on the slate floor, or the hardwood floor, or just inside the door to go out. Luckily, the area rugs have not been a target. I've spent quite a bit of time on clean-up detail, spray bottle and towels in hand, especially last night when I was afraid to let the pooches out because I heard coyotes howling SO CLOSE to the house. That freaked me out. The score right now is (an estimation) outdoors: 20 / indoor floors: 5. I guess in statistical terms, that's not so bad.


Oden, his usual calm self, and Freya, a blur

The sun went down and it was lights out. With just the glow of the TV and my computer screen, Freya's circadian rhythms must have kicked in and told her it was time to sleep. She was out like a light by my feet, but I wasn't expecting the second, third, and eighth winds of energy that would keep us busy late into the night, with me diverting her attention to actual chew toys instead of my hands, feet, clothing, remote controls, ski boots, laundry. She's used to sleeping in a big, king-sized bed with Katie and Bill which started on day one a month ago and continues. However, I chose to sleep on the couch, so she nuzzled herself up between me and the back of the couch where she ever-so-lightly nibbled on my hair and t-shirt, with my constant reprimand, "No. Ouch. That hurts. No BITING! #@*% (good thing Henry and Peter weren't here for that teachable moment)! That cozy situation wasn't good enough for Freya, however, and she ended up, face-up, cheek-to-cheek, her body on my stomach where she fell sound asleep - until she sleep-rolled off onto the floor. This initiated confusion and then a ninth-wind of activity. We watched the sun come up.

"Help me!"

"Who, me? I didn't do it!"


What is it about puppies that they prefer a sock out of the clean laundry basket to a toy box full of squeaky, dog-intended things? Why do they prance around with Dad's size 13 (!) heavy leather shoe when there are all kinds of tug-of-war toys in their crates? Why do they prefer to go outside and eat snow (like her big "brother") when nothing seems less appetizing (to humans - wait, now I know why her bladder is bursting at the seams!).

Katie, Bill, and the boys will be home by lunch time. They promised, saying they were leaving Connecticut just after breakfast. I hope they got up early. Had an early breakfast. None of this long-lingering brunch nonsense. Freya and Oden miss them. And I want a shower!

9 comments:

  1. Babysitting children is by far easier! They are cute though and melt your heart with those soulful eyes. Bet you take a nap this afternoon! Lynn E.

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    1. Lynnie, that is exactly what I was thinking all night long. I put Henry and Peter down to sleep, they go right to sleep. I shut the door, and that's it. Not so with a puppy! If she wasn't so cute and innocent, no one would be able to tolerate it! But, we do!

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  2. Such fun to read. I have 'babysat' for my furry grandpups on several occasions. "Sitting' doesn't happen much even for a six year old zvizsla and a fourteen year old all American mix, especially the vizsla. Even sleeping is not sleeping. She insists on getting way under the covers somewhere. And Mollie, the elder companion, just chooses the end of the bed. Let's just say that king size beds are not so king sized when we have visitors. And when their eyes meet, there is a barking match to se
    how can bark the longest and loudest. Let's just say that grandmas are a blessing to our kids who need doggie daycare--and child care too. Wouldn't trade it for anything!!!! I love your grand dogs!

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    1. Karen, oh my goodness, that is one full king-sized bed! Yep, we Grandmas will do anything (almost!) for our kids and grandchildren! Please reply with which Karen you are, so if you win the drawing, I can let you know. I'm guessing Karen E., but I could be wrong so please let me know!

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  3. It sounds like your grand dogs were more work than play. But the animals are hard to resist. Freya will soon grow out of the puppy stage and it will be easier for you to granddog sit. Take a nap today it is well deserved.

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    1. Kathy, one was work, one was no work at all. I'm not naming names, but we all know who kept me up last night! Oden is a great dog, and Freya will be, one day when she learns all her manners!

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  4. I once again enjoyed reading your blog that brought me lots.of smiles and chuckles. I too babysit my granddogs. A boarder collie who will not allow any squirrel around my property at all ever and a two year old yellow lab who torments poor 14 year old Casey. You definitely deserve a nap this afternoon.

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    1. No nap for me, though that sounds great. I have weekend errands to finish up before the work week kicks in. And no Downton Abbey to sooth those Sunday evening woes! I really miss it already! May have to watch a rerun on PBS.org!

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    2. oops - soothe, not sooth. Where is this blogger's editor? :)

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