The end of the year...and other things....

I have a dog.

As the vet so kindly put it, he has been "tutored", which is vet speak for neutered.

If you own a Golden Retriever and think that will calm him down, go ahead and keep thinking that. There are other good reasons for doing this, but that isn't really one of them.

We had a lot of fun with the plastic collar he had to wear for ten days, or as close to that as all concerned could bear. I ended up putting the second collar together with industrial staple, lots of them.
Oh yeah, Golden's, being puppies for a L...o...n...g... time, like to chew.

I'd like to meet that moron that just figured you would slip tab 'A' into slot 'B' of the plastic collar and the Golden would happily sit there and observe the process. Fat chance. The question becomes, from the dog's point of view, which part can I reach to chew and how fast can I do it?

End of the year, the end of his.... ah.... "tutoring process" didn't change a damn thing, other than appearance and capability wise.

I hasten to add, lest you get the wrong idea, he is a very sweet and loving dog. We also ended the year with a visit from the dog trainer to help my daughter control the dog. As those things go (if you are a husband you will know), it all turned out to be my fault. I spoil him and give him too much loving. I think she was in the Gestapo at one time. She is a very frightening lady.

I mean, you don't get a dog so you can ignore him and not pet him.... really! If that's what you want, go get a stuffed one on wheels with a pull cord, or a picture and hang it on the wall.

My daughters cry of "he licked me!" still echoes.... HE'S A DOG!!!!, you want to be ignored, get a cat.

My personal favorite of the first few days was, "Doesn't he warn you before he does that!!!!!???????" (he peed) and nope, pretty much it is a past tense sort of event.

He is a year old this December and we are looking forward to another year and possibly more of chewing and puppy behavior. Then he should mellow out a little (somewhat, kinda, more or less, as compared to...)

Seen "Marley and Me" yet? Don't.... if you ever plan to get a dog.

Then again, when he is laying in my lap (ankle to chin) and has his head up looking at me or is sleeping with his head over my arm... that's what it's all about.

Did I mention he has a fondness for chewing up mail?

I have a dog.

His name is Danny. He is a regular dog with a regular name and a huge heart.

Regards,

WebMouse