no dogs were injured during this rant
When one of my Grandma's beloved beagles chopped down on my nose, bit me hard and made me cry, I knew I would be to blame. I must have looked at it wrong, or spoke in the wrong tone. Something. Never mind the fact that I was a kid, and loved the stupid dog and did nothing to harm it. I just remember we were sharing a moment - he was looking me in the eye - and tried to eat my face.
My baby pictures were soon replaced by pictures of show dogs.
I think it's fair to say I'm carrying with me some baggage.
Greg's parents are animal people: they raise and show llamas, have 4 cats and 3 large dogs. The newest dog, a standard poodle, travels with them; they adore him. But he wasn't used to kids in his house, making kid noises, carrying kid toys. He was jumpy, and later, pushy with the kids, pulling on Zack's sweatshirt to move him around.
Poor Zack. He's afraid of dogs, and no amount of reassurance helped, especially when the dog had a good 20 pounds on him.
I had to choke back a bitter laugh when he was being instructed to be the alpha dog, to be the pack leader. Like he's Cesar Millan, age 6.
I woke up the first morning we were there, angry. My whole life I've tolerated pesky pets, taken second place, been instructed on my failings, being a beta dog and all.
I sat in bed and it came to me: I just don't care. It's not my thing. I care, deeply, profoundly, about being a strong woman; a treasured wife, a tender mom. And while I really don't wish any dog ill - step off PETA, I don't - I'm sick of feeling like there is something wrong with me because I don't want to spend my days, using a deep voice, asserting myself.
I suck at being the top dog. It's unpopular in my family circles, but there it is.
I can live with it.
My baby pictures were soon replaced by pictures of show dogs.
I think it's fair to say I'm carrying with me some baggage.
Greg's parents are animal people: they raise and show llamas, have 4 cats and 3 large dogs. The newest dog, a standard poodle, travels with them; they adore him. But he wasn't used to kids in his house, making kid noises, carrying kid toys. He was jumpy, and later, pushy with the kids, pulling on Zack's sweatshirt to move him around.
Poor Zack. He's afraid of dogs, and no amount of reassurance helped, especially when the dog had a good 20 pounds on him.
I had to choke back a bitter laugh when he was being instructed to be the alpha dog, to be the pack leader. Like he's Cesar Millan, age 6.
I woke up the first morning we were there, angry. My whole life I've tolerated pesky pets, taken second place, been instructed on my failings, being a beta dog and all.
I sat in bed and it came to me: I just don't care. It's not my thing. I care, deeply, profoundly, about being a strong woman; a treasured wife, a tender mom. And while I really don't wish any dog ill - step off PETA, I don't - I'm sick of feeling like there is something wrong with me because I don't want to spend my days, using a deep voice, asserting myself.
I suck at being the top dog. It's unpopular in my family circles, but there it is.
I can live with it.
Comments
As a dog lover, I have to say I agree that it is perfectly ok for you to not love dogs.
The Boy always gets asks me why I 'persuade' our cat from being underfoot on the stairs. I tell him; "If I fall down the stairs and break my neck because I tripped on the cat, will he go to work and pay the bills? No? Then he and I can not be on the stairs at the same time"
Forsaking relationships with people for animals is dumb. Will your dog/cat/bird pick a good nursing home for you when you need it or feed you when you can't?
-Stu
Much Love,
Jen B:)
Were your baby pictures really replaced? :(
And Mrs. G - Stephanie isn't a yoga fan either. I've tried to hoodwink her/cajole her into coming with me, because it really isn't that sweaty. No go.
And - I am proud of you for not being the alpha dog at your inlaws and biting whoever told your sweet boy to take on a dog bigger than he is. I'm baring my canines and it's not even my story.
And - I am proud of you for not being the alpha dog at your inlaws and biting whoever told your sweet boy to take on a dog bigger than he is. I'm baring my canines and it's not even my story.
Wait...that's what you just said, brilliantly, may I add.
Okay well let me just say well said.
But...there are show llamas? Like, competitions among llamas? For show prizes? They do that?
I guess I need to get out more...
(Traveling with a standard poodle...very Steinbeck.)
I am sad for your situation; it sounds like another girlfriend movie weekend is in order :)
My thinking is that dogs are fine... but for crap's sake, they aren't people.
And yes, poor little Zack. He's too little to have to deal with being Alpha anything.
I live in SW Idaho, were my lack of enthusiasm for 1)dogs and 2)camping makes me something of a pariah. Or piranha, whatever.
One day, I came home from an errand and the kids met me at the door and said, "Daddy kicked the cat!" So, we understand about cats being underfoot.
Daddy got a timeout for kicking the cat in front of the kids. For GP's and all.... He says, "Please? Can you send me to my room???"