Ask Aunt Foley

Dear Aunt Foley:  My Mommy spent the entire winter trapped with me on snowy, frozen Enzo Mountain.  Despite the cold I enjoyed it very much.  Then spring came and Mommy got a job riding in the front end of Thomas the Tank Engine.  I know she is getting paid for it, but I can’t imagine why (humans.)  Anyway, while I am happy she is bringing home fresh kibble I do miss her.  Am I being selfish? - Enzo

Enzo:  This is one of the most difficult quandaries in a dog’s life.  We want our parents home all the time but if they are home all the time then they won’t have any money and, if they don’t have any money, we won’t have a home to be in, unless they are retired, which is wonderful, but sometimes they have been retired so long they can’t do long walks and play at the dog park, or they are rich, and when they are rich they always seem to be jetting off here and there, and if we do go along we seem to be more fashion accessory than friend.

So you do have to let your Mom go to work because it makes the time that you have with her even more special, but you have a very important role to play in the process.  When she gets home you have to act like her walking through the door is the greatest moment of your life and make her always want to hurry home to you.

The other part of your job is to make her feel like a huge crap puppy when she goes out the door to work.  Mom guilt is good.  Mom guilt is what gets us toys, kibble, and lots of attention.  So guilt on the way out the door, joy on the way in, and in between you nap and I’ll come get you to pay with your friends at the Bridge so you’re not lonely.  

That way you are never alone and always spoiled the way dogs should be.