August 2, 2010

White Dog loves all things pork and tonight was one of her uber-favorites, big meaty pork ribs. Quinn, who has learned so much from imitating his sister, has also learned to love this treat. When dinner was served both White Dogs cozied up to me asking for their share. Their bowls, filled with balanced nutritious blend of chicken, rice and mixed vegetables, were totally ignored as they snooter swooned over my plate. "No ribs until you have eaten your regular food," I ordered and stared them down. They shifted over to sit by Steve. "He's not giving you any pork, either!" I said making eye contact with the already weakening husband. And before White Dog and The Other White Dog targeted Michael, I added "don't even think of asking!"

I saw the stubbornness wash over White Dog as she came and sat next to me refusing to eat her dinner and sending telepathic demands to "Give me the pork!" Quinn looked up and, realizing that I was serious, walked over and wolfed down what was in his bowl. White Dog mumbled at his "cave in" in disgust.

"Quinn has finished dinner as I asked," I said as TOWD came and sat on my other side. "Here is your rib, buddy!" His eyes lit up as he took the prize and stretched out in the kitchen doorway. His slurpy gnawing sounds and total concentration left no doubt of his pleasure.

White Dog weighed the possibility of swooping in and stealing the treasure; I felt her conclude that she would get in big trouble for that act and it would not be worth it. "Here's your plate," Steve coaxed as he slipped a few bits of pork over the rice as garni. "You can have your rib just as soon as you eat your dinner." I reminded her.

She glanced over at TOWD still going to town and licked her lips. Heavily, WD got up and went to her plate. She nosed the food and then ate most of her meal, just to maintain some dignity before asking again. "Here you go!" I gave her the rib and White Dog disappeared behind the coffee table where she could enjoy her treat (and balm her bruised ego) in private.

P.S. Ben, from Life is Better on Three Legs, has a favor to ask. His friend Brody is in need of a forever home FAST! Please visit his blog and help--or post--if you can! He and his family have done SO much for so many!