Chat With the Dog
Before I begin, I would like to say that you are, for
the most part, a good pet. However, there are a few matters that need to be
discussed regarding the holiday this year. I hope you will pay attention so that
we will not have any similar disasters next year.
First, I would like to
call your attention to the little fiasco involving the Christmas tree. Because
we have a tree indoors does not mean that you can treat it as though it is
outdoors. In other words, from now on find a fireplug. Enough said.
While
we are on the topic, I would also like to warn you about chasing the cat in the
living room. Cats are accustomed to climbing trees to escape from dogs, and the
mess made when the Christmas tree tipped over will not soon be forgotten. I
cannot emphasize enough how lucky we all are that it fell away from the
fireplace instead of towards it.
Then there is the matter of the lights.
Whether you enjoy flashing lights or not, humans consider them a part of the
celebration of Christmas. Chewing the extension cord to the tree in half was not
one of your smarter endeavors. I'm sure you are aware of this, however, since
the shock knocked you halfway across the room and nearly turned you into a Roman
candle.
Ornaments are intended to be admired, not eaten. I'm only
thankful that we caught you before you swallowed it. Otherwise you would have
spent the holiday in the veterinary hospital getting glass removed from your
stomach. Christmas ornaments are people toys, not dog toys.
The chocolate
chip cookies and the milk that we left out were for Santa and the reindeer, not
a snack for you. Chocolate is not good for dogs. Please keep this in mind and
maybe next year you will not vomit on the carpet.
Gifts are to be
unwrapped by the person whose name is on the tag. They are not intended to be
chewed open on Christmas Eve, regardless of how excited you are. And quit
pointing at the cat. I have already spoken to the cat about the ribbons, and she
denies any further involvement.
I know you were trying to protect our
home, but Santa is not a burglar. Burglars wear masks and come to take things,
not to bring gifts. I believe we can also infer that they seldom dress in red
velvet suits. Please make a note of this for future reference. If there is ever
any more confusion, bark and wake us up instead of biting Santa's
leg.
You are very lucky that there were no injuries when you chased the
reindeer. Have you not learned anything at all in obedience school? It may be
your instinct to chase other animals, but please, not Santa's reindeer. You
frightened them so badly that Prancer nearly fell off the roof.
And while
we are on the subject of chasing, this rule also applies to the postman and the
delivery people bringing packages. I don't know why, but I have a feeling that a
burglar could rob us blind and you would follow him around wagging your tail,
but let a delivery person come around and you turn into a fire-breathing guard
dog.
Finally, do not beg for food while we are eating Christmas dinner.
You have a full dish of dog food. If you can remember not to jump on people and
breath dog breath on them while they are eating, you will not have to spend
Christmas day outside in the doghouse next year.
I'm really glad we had
this little chat. I have my doubts that you intend to change, though, since your
snoring was so loud you sounded like a canine sawmill. I suppose it is
hopeless.
Somehow I have a feeling that what humans consider "naughty,"
dogs consider "nice."