A dog’s point of view

This was a good year for me. My whole family was home!

All. The. Time.

I went for so many walks, nice long ones. There was always someone around to scratch my back …or my belly …or under my ears. Oohhh yaahhh.

Let me explain. I’m Caramel. They also call me Pooche or Poochie pie. Whatever they call me, I perk my ears so they know I am paying attention. Sometimes they merge it all together in a squeaky noise like Caramelmylittlepoochiepie while they tussle my ears. This is usually my cue they need some comforting. I look into their eyes, tilt my head to one side and raise my eyebrows to let them know I am listening. I hear ya. Sometimes they talk and talk and talk. That’s ok. I hold my ‘I’m listening’ look as long as needed. When the session is done, I get a kiss on the top of my head. It’s nice. And it seems to make them happy.

As I said, my family has been home a lot this year. Even when one of them leaves the house, it’s not for too long. On those rare occasions they exit the front door, I like to jump up on the ledge at the front window and watch where they go.

For some reason this year, I get a song stuck in my head when I am up by the window.

🎵 How much is that doggie in the window?

The one with the waggly tail.

How much is that doggie in the window?

I do hope that doggie’s for sale. 🎵

Well, I am NOT for sale people! Oh I’ve heard the posturing and growling about how hard it is to find a dog this year. So I will be blunt, as blunt as I am with the fox when he comes on my turf. Not. For. Sale. Grrr. Get off my lawn. Go get yourself a cat, apparently they’re not so in demand (just sayin).

Other than these brief moments when someone leaves the house, we have all been home together. If I could count, I would tell you how many walks I get everyday. It’s a good amount. I can’t quite put my paw on it, but it’s almost like taking me for a walk is the only reason they have to leave the house. I know that sounds weird, it’s just a feeling.

I keep thinking someone is coming to visit since the doorbell rings a lot. This gets my whole backend wiggling in delight. But get this? Nobody comes inside. There’s only a square thingy at the door. My family announces: “There’s a box at the door!” I think they say “fox” so I get all excited again. But there is no fox. And no people. It’s a mystery. But it won’t keep me from waggin’ my tail when the doorbell rings. I am optimist. I know people will come again one day.

The kitchen has been very busy this year. My ears are finely tuned into the crinkles, squeaks and bangs of the kitchen so I rush in when someone is making a snack (which is even more times than the number of walks I get each day). I make sure I am right by their feet so I can clean the floor when something falls. My favourite is grated cheese. Oh, and Shreddies.

I have many cozy places to take a nap. Soft blankets and pillows on the couch are choice. The funny thing this year is sometimes one of my family members will join me on the couch for a nap. Odd. But I like it.

There was also more time to play with my family. My tail gets going whenever they ask “do you want to play?” The answer is always YES! Even if no one asks, I get my ball, go to the top of the stairs and wait, ready to play. My optimism is as steady as my sense of smell. Unwavering. Just as I can smell turkey coming out of the fridge from up here, I believe someone will come play with me. I mean, they’re ALL HOME!

Sometimes my family needs a little nudge so I nudge the ball with my nose down the stairs. Boing. Boing. Boing. When they peak around the corner and see me at the top of the stairs, I make sure to open my eyes real wide, tilt my head and perk up my ears. It’s a playful version of my ‘I’m listening’ look. They usually pick up the ball and throw it to me. They know I like to catch things in my mouth. Woof! Woof!

At the end of the day, I hear “time for bed” and then I go upstairs to one of my favourite soft places to sleep. I dream of chasing squirrels and having a stick in my mouth. Ahhh.

Like I said, this year has been full of tail-wagging activities: walking, playing, snacking, napping.

Best of all: my family is always close by.