Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Protesting My Niece


Blogging Friends.... Life is very, very, very busy right now, so I sincerely apologize for being absent from commenting on your Web sites!! Thursday was, of course Thanksgiving. I hope everyone enjoyed their family gatherings!! Friday, shopping. I did not score any Christmas presents. However, I almost bought some for myself!! Saturday, we bought our Christmas tree. Earlier than usual!! Sunday, church, plus my oldest brother, sister-in-law and niece came over for lunch, dessert and decorating!! Our Christmas tree looks so lovely!! Then, Monday morning, my Mom was progressively feeling poorly. Dad drove her to our hospital. Following a successful appendectomy, she is home now!! On top of that, I awoke with a head cold Monday. Impeccable timing. But those are my favorite kind of colds, because they seldom ever spread to the lungs!! I have "magic" herbal capsules--which I'm swallowing as directed--"we" shall kick this!! Sooner, rather than later!! Then, I spent over twelve hours Monday working on my "secretive writing project"....

This was supposed to be "published" last night. That was the plan!! However, around 7PM--during a windstorm--we lost electricity!! As I was working on this!! Suddenly, the Christmas CD which was playing stopped with a loud POP, our computer shut itself off, and every light went out!! All at once!! We were without electricity for about two hours and ten minutes until tow truck workers repaired it!! Fun!! I always love it whenever we lose power!! Last night, I sat on the great room carpet, stroking Rose's velvet-soft fur, listening to nothing but wild, uncontrollable winds, and being warmed by our wood stove!! So much for this Blog post being "published"!! Oh well. It was not my plan for the power to be suddenly knocked out. No. It was God's!! I cannot argue with that!!    

Second chances. I am a firm believer in them, and somehow always have been. My entire life. For Heaven knows how many "second" chances I have been granted!! More than I can count!! Because, when you are me, that girl with the "laundry list" of character defects--many of which I am working against!!--second chances are required. Yes, required. That being said, I am also a free giver of second chances. This, as I have experienced, is both a positive, and a negative. On Thanksgiving Day, some relatives entered our home for dinner, dessert, plus fellowship. Due to my Mom's cousin's ex-wife--who is afraid of canines--being absent, I actually allowed Rose a bit more freedom this year. A bit. She was still watched like some hawk by me. The red leash constantly dangled from her collar. However, my good girl did not need to be "abandoned" outside during mealtime!! Nope!! I simply told her to "lay down", away from our table. She did!! Among this small group of people was my nearly 10-month old niece. She absolutely loves dogs!! My niece is now standing assisted. Can she just quit growing? Or can time slow down a bit? My goodness.... She will turn one in February!! That cannot even be possible!! On Thanksgiving, my niece was crawling around, nearby Rose. She, of course, aimed for the tail. Never touch Rose's tail!! She hates that!! Sometimes--when I'm feeling like a pain in the butt--I will grab my mutt's tail. To which she responds with a swift turning of her head, as if thinking: Hey!! Don't touch my tail!! It is quite hilarious, actually!! I lifted my niece up onto my lap. Or at least I tried to!! She has become quite the independent little girl!! Both of us sitting on the carpeted great room floor, my niece decided to hit Rose in the face with her little hand!! Hit!! Responding, Rose fled, escaping injury. To both!! My niece clearly did not mean that. She isn't even one-years old yet!! All she was trying to do was "pet" my "puppy". The nearly 10-month old wanted Rose so badly!! So. I gave my niece a second chance. Same result. Rose took it in stride, seemingly understanding. She gives out second chances, as well!! My niece would not give up. She wanted her fingers to touch Rose's velvet-soft fur. Alright. One more chance. I tried to encourage my niece other body parts to pet. Nope!! Once again, my niece's little hands hit Rose's face!! This time, even Rose had enough of that!! Her mighty vocal chords bayed in protest!! I then pet Rose and comforted her. So, for now we are keeping those too separated!! Should I be concerned? No. Eventually, my niece will grow and mature. She'll learn. She and Rose will be the best of friends. Just give them a second chance!!  

 

 

10 comments:

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

We usually just move if someone touches us. Your niece and Rose will probably be great friends in the future.

XXXOOO Daisy, Bella & roxy

Mary Lou said...

Daisy, Bella & Roxy....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Oh, I know they will!! ;op

Unknown said...

We think too that in time they will be great friends but in the meantime as supervision is what's needed as you say. Glad you had a lovely Thanksgiving. Have a terrific Thursday.
Best wishes Molly

Remington said...

Hi....Beth here....my feelings on this is that children need to learn at a very young age to respect all animals.They need to learn how to approach them with care. It would prevent many unnecessary accidents. Some people think animals should put up with all behaviors from kids....well, some animals don't tolerate that and it is ALWAYS the animals fault. Respect for ALL animals will teach children not only how to treat an animal but everyone....just my little rant....sorry....

Mary Lou said...

Molly....
Thank-you for the comment!!
I concur. Although Rose would never bite anybody (This has been tested more than once!!) supervision is key to evading tragedy!! ;op

Mary Lou said...

Beth....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"My feelings on this is that children need to learn at a very young age to respect all animals. They need to learn how to approach them with care. It would prevent many unnecessary accidents.". Well said!! ;)
And, in most cases, children do not yet understand that THEIR idea of petting is, really, ABUSIVE. They need to be taught gentle touch. Our cousin was the same way with my first mutt, Shadow. He, too, hit her. Which, she took!! We had to correct my cousin. Now he loves dogs!! ;-D
I liked your little rant!! ;op

Ryker said...

Rose is a smart girl and simply removed herself from the situation, I respect that.
~Ryker

Sketching with Dogs said...

Glad to hear your mum is feeling much better now.
Our 3 dogs do not understand children at all. They bark if one is even 10 feet away. I'm sure if Rose spends enough time with her they will get on but it is always wise to have supervision between pets and children.
Lynne x

Mary Lou said...

Ryker....
Thank-you for the comment!!
"Rose is a smart girl and simply removed herself from the situation.". Yeah. Three times!! Hee, hee, hee.... ;op

Mary Lou said...

Lynne....
Thank-you for the comment!!
Mom is slowly, but surely recovering!! ;-D
"I'm sure if Rose spends enough time with her they will get on.". We'll have every Sunday throughout December for practice!! ;-}
"It is always wise to have supervision between pets and children.". I concur. Although Rose would never bite anybody (This has been tested more than once!!) supervision is key to evading tragedy!! ;op