I’m
Here she is–Queen Sparkle
being subjugated , put down and ordered about—by my 15 pound Yorkie-poodle mix dog, Sparkle. Perhaps it’s the name. If I had called her Wendy or Cutie or Moxie or, well just about any other name, perhaps she would not have assumed the role of the Queen of the Household.
I think her power has increased dramatically since my husband passed away. After all, she had him well trained and then she was left with just me—the one who thought that she was in charge. So now Sparkle had a real challenge on her paws. How to get “mommy” (yes, I answer to that) to do the Queen’s bidding.
It started out slowly. First it was demands to be petted for long periods of time. Okay, I could do that once or twice a day. Now, I get a few minutes off each hour from the petting duties.
I used to like to sit on a recliner to read for a while. I can’t do that anymore. Why not, you ask.
Well, it’s because Sparkle wants me to sit on the end of the couch with her while she lolls around so I can pet her for the required hours of petting. If I don’t do this—she sits at my feet and whines in a tiny, annoying voice. (Thank God I never let my daughter whine like that! H-m-m. Do you think I’m onto something?)
Of course there are also the required walks—I do try to exert some control over that—until she comes up and bends her expressive ears back and cries and vocalizes her approximation of “out.” So off we go for our half hour to 40 minute jaunts while she does all the regular doggie stuff and sniffs every square inch of the route. A few times I tried to encourage her to try to wait a while. Do not do this at home if you have a dog! I have an emergency “doggie –diaper” pad in the utility room for emergency use. Well, it seemed like any procrastination my part was an emergency for a while. When Sparkle would see the tell tale evidence , she would look up at me with her big innocent eyes , cock her teddy bear face my way as if to say, “Who did THAT?”
We usually top the day off with a very active play session in the lanai which consists of me cheering her as she catches various toys mid–air, runs around—and get treats. Lots of treats.
I’ve thought of getting her one of those cute little doggie shirts and having “She Who Must Be Obeyed” emblazoned on it. But I think she would fight wearing it, and then chew it up. Just like the adorable red dress I got her for her first Christmas and all the bows and scarves the groomers put on her. Sigh.
But when we finally turn in for the night, she cuddles next to me, gives me doggie kisses –and I’m happy to know that I have her with me. Of course, I curtsy before I get into bed—royalty you know.
Sparkle is sooooo cute and very lucky to have a “mom” like you!!!!
Thanks for your comment–love to know that people are reading the blog.
Love it! We have all known a Sparkles. In fact, my daughter has two!!
I still love the bossy little thing–she is a delight!
Of course she is adorable! My daughter’s lab, “NINA”, feels that she has to help Joanne with the laundry. Of course, she carries the socks in her mouth and she has to be coaxed to relinquish her “laundry” to the machine. What a riot!
Lucy
You know me with the doggie stories!
Pet owners must be the silliest creatures on earth (I’m one, so I know). Jerry Seinfeld had a stand-up bit about aliens seeing dog owners walking behind their pets and bagging poop: If you were the aliens, who would YOU think was in charge? Keep curtseying.
I often wonder what future archaeologists are going to conclude about our animal loving culture. Can you imagine the cult of the dog and the cult of the cat? and the doggy- poop bags–I can’t imagine how those will be explained. some sort of revered object?
I curtsy often–I like to stay on her Highness’s good side.
Seems like lots of fun. Sometimes I wish I had a pet…
Dear Kathy,
In spite of it all, Sparkle is your comforting companion.
Our daughter Ann Marie has a Dachsund named Xena, Warrior Princess.
Because she is a Dachshund, I speak to her in German and she seems to understand.
She also is extremely stubborn and usually gets her way.
Have fun with Sparkle!
Regards,
Bobbi Mastrangelo
Yes, Sparkle is a great comfort and a wonderful companion.
What an adorable tale! Sparkle and you are both lucky to have each other! I think Sparkle needs another sibling or at least some scheduled “play-time” with other doggies. Syndey and Toby can come to the rescue! Just call us and we will get the pups together. They all would love the romp!
What would we do without our lovable and loyal canines???!!!
Sounds great to me–I’ll call later this week.
Real cute story!
I loved the story or is it a tail.(doggie) Has Sparkle gone to the dog park and been exposed to other dogs? Does she know there are other dogs who aren’t as special as she? It is obvious that you agree with her. She is your special friend.