talkin' to the animals

I had a serious mama - doggie discussion with Maddie today. She and Patrick got into a teeth baring, fur flying fight two days ago over a dropped biscuit resulting in poor Patrick being pinned to the ground. This cannot continue. I employed some Asian mom guilt tactics and told Maddie that being the oldest, she has the responsibility to look after the younger one, plus the fact that such behaviour is shameful to the family honour.....yada, yada, yada. Maddie patiently looked at me with those soulful brown eyes and was probably thinking "can I have a treat now?"

Maddie and Patrick are two very different dogs, not just in breed, but in temperament. We adopted Maddie from an animal rescue in SoCal back in 2003. We think she a Portugese Water Dog mix and I believe that we are the first family she has ever had. Before she was rescued, I believe she survived by good old street smarts. Now Maddie gets premium dog food, organic treats and wears a Coach collar. However, sometimes her gangsta behaviour comes back to haunt us.

Patrick, on the other hand, is the gentlest pup I've ever encountered. He is a 3 year old American Cocker Spaniel and loves children....and food. Through ARF, Patrick is a "therapy dog", and he and Lori visit a senior center once a week. All of the residents just coo over him, so he plays up his cuteness for them. As gentle as Patrick is, he does try and stand up to Maddie's bullying.

Maybe its Karma...as the oldest of my family, I tormented my sibs...and pinned them both to the ground, perhaps with teeth baring.....