vv 2-18

12 February 2018
A Valentine to House Royalty
By: Adrea Barrera / 60s to 60
I
’ve been reminded recently that I have nothing
to do with how the household runs - and neither
does my husband. In fact, no humans are involved.
The interactions between us are overshadowed by rules set down by
2 spoiled Shih Tzu’s and the most lovable old Golden Retriever on the
planet. The Golden just goes along with everything because that’s his
nature. I can learn some lessons from him.
With rubber-backed rugs all over for our old boy, and beds of soft
microfiber and fluffy stuff, we step over everything and have only one
route to the couch.
On holidays, we add the leaves to the table and things get re-arranged,
much to the dismay of these kids who now have to find new ways to show
they’re in charge. They don’t want to miss anything, so lying down in
everyone’s path seems to work and they gain 5 pounds when we have
guests.
Bedtime is ridiculous. Yes, they know the routine but every year they
get closer to pushing us out of bed. They lie down between us (sideways
of course) and have to stretch out as much as possible 4 or 5 times before
settling down.
My pillow has become a throne for the commander of this group. I
actually have slept on a corner of the pillow so as not to disturb him. The
Golden is perfect and just lies alongside the bed.
If we want them to stay off the bed for a little while, one goes to the far
end and curls up in a little ball and the other throws a fit, moans, drags
pillows around and generally makes sure we know he’s mad. The Golden
just continues to be perfect.
We watch the dog shows on TV and know we’re supposed to show
leadership. But these guys are amazingly well behaved in every way as
long as no one interferes with their routines.
To all you dog servants out there: know you are automatically elevated
to a perfect person. A dog only asks of you what he gives - and that’s love
and loyalty. Too bad they don’t cook too, but you can’t have everything.
This Valentine’s Day, I thank the puppies for reminding me to be
kinder and smile more. On my worst days, they look at me with those
huge eyes and I am pure mush.
Adrea Nairne-Barrera writes of celebrations, observations &
complaints of life in the 60s to being in your 60s.