The Ruby Rose Report

 

 

I have heard many stories about new dogs being taught how to act by their parents' latest angel. Well. I have three advising me, who all believe they are the best dog, and I should emulate them. Since I don't want to favor one of them, I took a bit from each.

From Foley Monster, I got my playfulness and mannerisms. She taught me how, when I am excited, to spin around in circles. Also, I learned how to entertain myself with toys, something my other two sisters couldn't do.

She also taught me to respect the bed, which has been difficult since my puppy energy kicks in around bedtime. Foley told me it was acceptable to play in bed as long as the lights were on, but when they go off, it is time to snuggle down and be still. I am seven years old in human years, so turning off the energy switch is hard, but when I do, I am closer to Mama than the blankets that cover her.

From Pocket, I have learned tenderness: How to take a treat gently or how to lick softly. Also, she taught me how to look in my human eyes with all the love heaven will allow. She wants me to learn from my mistakes, so I always try to pee in the middle of the pads. Peeing on edge leads to floor seepage and unhappy parents.


River Song first recruited me and has had the most significant impact on how to behave; she has taught me to be a Velcro dog, always by my parents' side and mostly with Mommy. She showed me how to give Daddy a face bath with my tongue. It's good exercise for my tongue, and the sweaty man tastes good.  

I must recognize my parent's first dog as a couple: Blake, who had no angel teachers to show her the way but still blazed a trail that all her successors followed. The only advice she gave me was to love them; the rest would be easy.

An intelligent dog like me also learns from my predecessors' mistakes. I avoid continually barking for table scraps like Foley, not to be as sound sensitive as Pocket, and not the succumb to separation anxiety like River. I am darn near perfect, but you want to leave something for your successor to approve of, which is why I bark like a mad dog when horses and dogs are on television, even though it is justified because the animals could smash through that thin glass and charge into the front room.

It takes a village of angels to raise a dog, and I hope I make them proud.

Love Ruby