Fuzzybutt

Today I'm grateful for ...

We're going with Fuzzy for today because it is the one year anniversary of him coming to our house.

I'm grateful for him for many reasons ....

1) There are countless living things in my house. In addition to Fuzzy, there are dust mites, probably a few spiders, might be a squirrel over the garage, a guinea pig, a 19 year old cat, a Princess, a Chip, and Spouse. Of all of those, the only one that I can consistently count on to actually listen to me is Fuzzy.

2) Fuzzy (any dog) is pure devotion. Let's face it, most people do not love unconditionally. Most dogs do. When I come in the house I can count on at least someone coming to greet me at the door. Cats believe that they are the center of the universe. Dogs know that their owners are the center of the universe. And, as it's all about me, I do at times appreciate my dog's point of view.

3) Fuzzy is extremely protective of his pack. You cannot hurt one of his charges when he's around. [This has been tested -- long story but if sister_R's ex ever shows his face again, I'll be glad to let Fuzzy have another go round.] If the kids get too loud with each other, he'll get between them and say "peace in my house" in a, somehow, much more effective way than I ever could. I've left my oldest home alone for short periods of time. And sometimes people give you that look when you leave your kid home alone. I'm like "nobody is gonna mess when someone is next to an 85 pound dog."

4) Let's face facts, he does look like Lassie. He's actually one point off the trademark. Sable coat: check, white collar: check, blaze down nose: check, larger than average collie: check. The only thing he's missing is being of the direct line of Pal, the first dog that played Lassie. And, when you're walking down the street and see people of a certain age they can't help but be completely charmed by the look of the penultimate dog, that would also save Timmy from the well. After all, collies are supposed to be incredibly intelligent dogs. (Fuzzy hides it well).

Now, THAT'S a friend

Today I wasn't feeling well. All the sudden around mid afternoon my stomach said STOP and I sat still for a while and felt okay -- but moving around wasn't a good plan. So I did manage to sit still and watch some videos I've had out for too long.

However, another problem presented itself. Wednesday nights is "class" night. I take fuzzybutt to his obedience class, and Crem takes his own fuzzybutt to class (also sometimes known as "my favorite nephew" :} -- don't tell my human nephew that).

So -- tonight the spouse and son (a/k/a Chip and "the old block") went to class for me.

It was an interesting evening I understand. After class the instructor called me AND Crem stopped by. Quite the excitement with a little bit of an almost dog tussle and then, well come to find out I'm not the only one in the family with stomach upsets.

A friend will take a class with you.

A good friend will help you out in class.

A *REALLY REALLY GOOD* friend will clean up when your fuzzybutt has diarrhea in class.

(Gotta hand it to Crem -- usually I'm in charge of bringing the roll of paper towels and cleaner to class -- I'd completely forgotten to send it with my boys - but Crem brought his own and then cleaned up).

Dog of the jungle

Back in the late 60s, there was a Saturday morning television show called George of the Jungle. I honestly don't know if I ever watched it, but I do recall in the opening George always crashed into a tree (you think he'd learn - but week after week for three years).

Tonight I was out walking Fuzzybutt. There was another dog across the street, and fuzzy was walking forward while looking at and barking at the other dog.

YEP -- you guessed it -- Fuzzybutt wasn't looking where he was going and walked right into a tree.

Everything I've heard and read says that collies are supposed to be incredibly intelligent dogs. One thing I can say for Fuzzybutt. He hides it well.

My kid does me proud

Every now and then, you have one of your kids do you proud. Last night I started a new class with one of my kids. He did what he was supposed to do, followed my instructions (mostly) to the letter, and was a great example to the class when the instructor pulled him aside for a demonstration.

Too bad I can't get the same level of cooperation from my *HUMAN* kids.

Actually, he wasn't perfect, none of the dogs were. But as my dear spouse pointed out "if they were, they wouldn't need to be there." And, at least he didn't pee on the floor and make me need to clean it up.