Otto woke up at 5:00 this morning. My normal routine is to put him outside while I brush my teeth, make coffee, fill his food and water dishes, etc. As I left the bedroom I heard, “Psst, hey buddy?”
“What!”
“Down here, under the bed.”
“Hey there, under-the-bed monster. Haven't heard from you for a while.”
“There's a reason for that. This place got scary months ago, most of us have been afraid to come out at night.”
“You mean there's something that even monsters are afraid of?”
“Yeah, the dog.”
“Really? I seem to remember something from the distant childhood about my old dog keeping the monsters away at night.”
“Well it's true. It's been true since humans and canines first struck their truce in a cave over in Europe. He nags me, day and night. I've had to retreat to the farthest corners and keep quiet for months now.” He rattled to the edge of the bed. “That thing watches me, day and night, it never ends.”
“That has to put a damper on your relationship with missing-sock monster.”
“You have no idea. Your stupid dog steals all the socks now. She went to visit her brother in Park City.”
“Yeah, maybe he is getting a tiny bit out of hand. It's hard to get some things done like I'm used to.”
***
That's my keyboard and hand you're eating there.
Hey, Dad. I like bath time too. Can I get in?
Aww, Dad. How come you shut the door when you use that toilet thing? I'm sure I can help.
***
“A tiny bit out of hand? I'm telling you, I've been trying to sleep when the dog does. That doesn't leave a lot of time to wander the house at night and misplace all your things.”
“I'll see what I can do. I've been trying to sleep when he does too. His hours leave something to be desired. You're going to have to adjust though. There's a long history between me and dogs. They're part of the natural fauna of a happy household.”
“Yeah, yeah. There are grizzly bears in the woods too, but I wouldn't want one in my neighborhood. I appreciate you looking into this. Maybe I can get missing-sock monster to come home again.”
I shuffled to the kitchen, went about my chores and let him back in. Otto shuffled right back to his bed and went to sleep. Yup 5:00 and I'm up for the day, while he sleeps in. Maybe it is time to set some boundaries.
I’ve been there, but with a kid instead of a dog. How do you set boundaries with a puppy?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Shut the door?
LikeLike
Guess so. As long as he can’t eat the door.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sounds like he’s right at home.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do there *really* have to be boundaries for cute dogs? He’s cheaper and more loyal than a kid. That should count for something. And who needs monsters under the bed, anyway? They get into more mischief than cute dogs.
LikeLiked by 2 people
That’s true, I’ve had kids and dogs both.
LikeLiked by 1 person
AW he loves his daddy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s true.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Can tell.
LikeLiked by 1 person
AWWW!!!! SOOO cute! I adore bullies!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks.
LikeLike
Reblogged this on Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You have it backwards, Craig. Otto will set the boundaries, or haven’t you realised that yet?
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think you’re right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is impossible to set boundaries when you look at that face! The tub pic is frame-able.
Clever post. Enjoyed the heck out of it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. He’s pretty cute.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good story ☺
I had no idea about the European cave truce or the fact monsters were that scared of dogs.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ha ha, glad you enjoyed it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That brought some cheer to my Monday morning 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
People talk about cats following them around, but puppies do the same thing. Have a cheerful Monday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Adorable!!!!! Love the paw under the door and his adorable face peeking over the bathtub. By the way, I stole him for a short story I’m writing for an anthology. Hope you don’t mind, but he’s just too cute not to share with the world. 🙂 Perfect name, too. I couldn’t help myself.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Do it. I’d like to read it too. I’m part way through your short story collection now, and working on it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome. Sure, I’ll send you the story when it’s done. See if I got his personality right.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So cool, thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person