Laying Down The Law

We got our German shepherd Alli as a year-old rescue almost two months ago. Many people who know the breed call them Velcro dogs, because German shepherds usually attach themselves to one person. Though they will love and protect everyone in the family, they decide who their person is, and nothing will change that.

Alli immediately became my shadow and follows me everywhere I go, sleeps on a doggie bed on the floor on my side of the bed, and in the evening she lies on the floor in front of my recliner. And when I say she follows me everywhere, I do mean everywhere! I try to explain to her that I have been going potty all by myself like a big boy for close to 71 years now, but she wants to be there to make sure I get it right. If I close the bathroom door in her face, you can bet that when I open it, her face is right there waiting for me. I guess it makes sense to her since I take her out and watch while she goes potty.

When I take my shower at night, Alli stays in the bathroom right outside the shower curtain just in case the bogyman tries to get to me when I am helpless and unaware. Then she wants to play tug of war with the towel while I dry off. We do need to work on boundaries, because when I am bending over naked to dry my legs and feet she invades my personal space, if you know what I mean. But overall, she is a loving, goofy little girl who quickly stole my heart.

We also have two kittens, BeeBee and Mai Lin. From the start, Alli has loved on them both, licking them every chance she gets and herding them around (as much as you can herd kittens). Sometimes she will chase them around the room until they hide, other times one or both of them will run up to her and start the game. Since neither kitten is as big as just her head, at first we were worried that Alli might accidently hurt one of them in play, but she seems to understand that they are fragile and doesn’t overdo it with them.

However, there are limits, and apparently the other day Alli decided it was time to lay down the law. I was at my desk working when BeeBee, the larger black kitten at a little over four months old, jumped up on the back of my chair, and when I went to push her off she thought it was playtime and dug her claws into my arm and shoulder.

It was unexpected and I let out a loud “Ouch!” As always, Alli was lying beside my chair and she jumped up and snapped at (but did not bite) the cat and gave it one sharp bark. BeeBee jumped down and ran into the other room and that was it. The next day all was back to normal and they are buddies again.

I think Terry was a bit concerned at first, but I said the dog was just setting boundaries as to what is acceptable behavior around her person.

And finally, here’s a chuckle to start your day from the collection of funny signs we see in our travels and that our readers share with us.

Thought For The Day – I’m not clumsy! The floor just hates me, the table and chairs are bullies, and the walls get in my way.