I am going to make a small change in my presentation of this week's column. (I wish I understood the newspaper biz!). I'm adding a line that was deleted. It's at the end and I'll make it stand out for you.
Top Dog
A sure sign of spring has been evident at our house for a few weeks. The dog forsakes the comfort and warmth of the couch or our bed for the floor coolness. Her favored spots increased from the soft two to a firmer three: the bedroom wood floor near the recliner, the middle of the tile living room floor, and the linoleum landing on the stairs. I long ago gave up the “not on the furniture” rule in the house. This only worked when I was single and the lone leader and not at home. The full motion waterbed gave you away, dog! Any dog owner knows the nuances of training are developed through gentle guidance, consistent discipline and repetition. Our dog, Patches, turned 12 last week, but education still takes place in our home. An event last winter showed this. Husband and I awakened early to watch the school closings loop across the bottom of the television screen. We were convinced the two-hour delay was temporary. I would need to stay alert. If the delay didn’t change, I would play alarm clock and chauffeur for Son. If, however, school did close, I could stay snuggled in the warmth of the blankets and quilt. I was watching the network morning show when Husband came back in from cleaning his car to find his ski mask. I knew where to look, but it entailed moving some luggage. I threw back the covers and approached the hall to help him; he wouldn’t have an over-abundance of time or patience before work, especially considering the treacherous travel awaiting him. I found the hat, kissed Husband and returned to the bedroom. The TV sat atop a dresser adjacent to the door. What was this? My morning show was not on. A completely different channel transmitted. I turned to face the TV as if staring at the screen would scare it back to my show. I was baffled. Televisions don’t change channels by themselves. I looked around the bedroom for an explanation. Patches was lying in the middle of the bed, like the Sphinx of Cheops, looking in my direction. Ah ha! I had left the remote in the center of the bed. She must have pawed the buttons. I crawled under the coziness of the covers, picked up the remote, and pushed the “last channel” button – expecting to be taken back to The Today Show. Instead, the channel displayed another channel. Patches had hit more than one button, it seemed. Contrary to her gender stereotype, she had surfed. Then I noticed the network logo in the corner of the screen. My recognition came slowly. I began to wonder about the number of accidental steps that resulted in my supposedly dumb creature turning to The Animal Planet.
I got it, Doggie! I got it!
Just who was teaching whom?
This message has been edited. Last edited by: johnbol,
Thor used to watch TV as a puppy. Not so much anymore.
And I've noticed he's sleeping in cooler spots, too. When he's not "on patrol" between the back door and the front room windows, which are now open more.
Life is like a roller coaster, with lots of ups and downs, but the curves, spirals, loops and corkscrews are what make life interesting.
A&E used to air a special called "Cats". One time when I was watching I swore the cat was watching it intently too. I was convinced that he was when he'd walk away during commericals and would come back when the show started again.
Dawn
"Success is not the result of spontaneous combustion. You have to set yourself on fire." anonymous
Posts: 4320 | Location: Indianapolis, IN | Registered: March 15, 2004
My cat used to watch TV but I never caught her changing the channel.
