It’s a dog’s life. June 11, 2009
Posted by ourfriendben in homesteading, pets, wit and wisdom.Tags: blog humor, puppies, puppy classes, Shiloh
trackback
Hi, I’m Pioneer Hawk’s Haven Shiloh (but you can call me Shiloh), trying to get a word in edgewise as a guest blogger here on Poor Richard’s Almanac. I live with our friend Ben and Silence Dogood at Hawk’s Haven, their rural cottage located in the precise middle of nowhere, Pennsylvania.
Tuesday night, I went with Silence to my first puppy kindergarten session. Even though I’d just turned four months old on Monday, I towered over all the other puppies, though at least half of them were older than I was. Many puppy parents looked at me askance, and I felt like the Incredible Hulk. I guess they’ll be even more surprised in a few months when I’m three times as big as I am now and weigh over 120 pounds!
We German shepherds have a tough time competing with the adorable little golden retriever and Bichon frisee pups as it is, and I’m all black, which apparently scares people even more. So I’d just like to set the record straight and note that I love people, kids especially, and other dogs. I’m even trying to make friends with the family cats. Linus, aka Linoose, the huge, clueless cat that’s a big favorite with Silence, seems determined to make friends with me, though he’s swatted me on the nose more than once when he thinks I’ve gotten out of bounds, and our outdoor cat Simon has been especially friendly, too.
Anyway. OFB and Silence have already taught me to sit, so I aced that part of class, as well as having our paws and tails touched, encountering different people, dogs, and strange objects (like the vacuum cleaner—ha!—like I don’t see and hear that every week). I was feeling very cocky until they got to the “down.” This was a new trick for me, but Silence seemed very pleased when we mastered it after only three tries. (Those hot-dog pieces they were handing out as treats certainly didn’t hurt!) And the next morning, I not only remembered but performed it perfectly, even (sob!!!) without the hot-dog pieces.
Silence is a natural with all animals—I think she could be a TV star as “the animal whisperer”—and of course with kids, too. It was kind of awesome to watch her interacting with the other puppies and see them crowd against her. We’ll see how well OFB does when he’s back from North Carolina and attending class with us next week.
I would like to mention one experience I really didn’t enjoy, though. I go every Wednesday morning for puppy playcare, so I’ll be socialized with other dogs of all ages and breeds. Yesterday, when Silence came to pick me up, she took me to a restaurant we like, The Market Cafe in Topton, PA, for lunch. It’s a former railway station and it has an outdoor seating area, so they’re always happy to see me and offer me water and treats. Unfortunately, they’re also located right on the railroad tracks. Our friend Ben, Silence, and I have been there several times before, but no trains had ever come by.
I’m always really exhausted after a busy morning playing with a dozen other dogs, so I’d just settled down under the table with my water dish when suddenly, a huge train rushed by. It blasted its horn just when it got next to our table. I was really scared, so I jumped up, pulled my leash out of Silence’s hands, and ran as far away from that scary noise as I could. As it turns out, rather than rushing through the open area and out into the street, I made a beeline away from the train and ended up at the railing on the far side of the restaurant, where some kids were able to hold onto me until Silence could get me. I didn’t know a human could turn that particular shade of pale. I guess I really scared her!
Believe it or not, two more trains went by while we were having our lunch. But both times, Silence kept a firm hold on the leash and I decided to just lie down and ignore them. Been there, seen that, right? Besides, I was busy with my water dish and the fragments of three cheese and tomato panini that Silence was giving me. Not to mention basking in the adoration being offered by an adorable four-year-old boy and a big, husky Harley-Davidson guy who asked if he could take me home. (No way, big boy. I already have a home!)
I tell you, it’s a dog’s life. You never know what’s going to happen next!
Your friend,
Shiloh
Ah, Memories! I totally know how you feel, Shiloh. Hopper used to get so anxious when trains would go by while he was trying to, you know what…in the back yard. It would totally throw him off his game and we’d have to really watch him for when he needed to go outside! He likes it much better in the quiet countryside. A busy dog doesn’t even have time to get into trouble!
On a side note, what about creeps accosting people with dogs! I’ve had weirdos come right up to the car window and start talking to me because of the damned dog. Uh, Rolling up the window! Right Now!!
Yes, those trains were enough to deafen anyone. Yikes! Your experience with the weirdos is the opposite of mine, Lzyjo. Normally I’m fairly cautious around strangers, but if they’re walking a dog, I don’t even see them—my attention is totally fixated on the dog. I always figured that I’d come to a bad end because some monster would have the bright idea to bring a dog along and I’d never see whatever it was coming!—Silence
Good job on the “down” and the trains Shiloh! It’s most important to get used to all kinds of people and dogs and noises–especially if you are going to get to 120 lbs. Looking forward to your next post Shiloh!
Thanks, Curmudgeon! I was pretty proud of the down, too! And I’m sure I’ll be back when I have more to say for myself!
Oh Shiloh, good to hear from you. Sounds like you’re enjoying your “puppyhood”. Glad you’ve overcome your fear of trains. Take care of OFB and Silence and I know they’ll take care of you.
Thanks, Victoria! Yes, I’m having a very good time. As for Silence and OFB, I’m doing my best, but they’re both sort of eccentric so it’s not always easy! At least I know they love me and I love them, so that’s a good start!
Hi Shiloh, you are really a good writer, did you know that? I can imagine you towering over the other puppies at school, but it sounds like you are a gentle giant. Being all black makes you extra special too. And way to go with learning to handle the trains so quickly. And we are sure you get to hear the vacumn nearly every day, right?
Frances
Hi Frances! I was actually lying here in the home office snoozing when Silence pointed out that I’d gotten an e-mail from you. She thinks I’m smart and special too, except when I take a liking to one of the sofa cushions. (“Shiloh, those AREN’T chew toys!”) I don’t mind hearing the vacuum cleaner, but Silence has acute hearing and hates it, like our cats and birds. It’s our friend Ben who insists on vacuuming the house several times a week. OFB feels that, between bird feathers, cat hair, and me, not to mention this very rainy spring and summer and all the leaves and debris we’re all tracking in, he’d better keep after the vacuuming so the house doesn’t end up resembling a forest floor. He loves trains, too, so I guess it all goes together somehow. Maybe I’ll decide trains aren’t so bad, either, if I’m with him when one goes by and pick up on his excitement. Anyway, thanks for the kind words!
You must live pretty close to us, Shiloh. We nearly bought a house in Topton, and I’ve eaten at the Market Cafe a few times. Nice place. When the train’s not rolling by. I always had German Shepherds growing up. How lucky you are to be a member of the handsomest, smartest, and most loyal of doggie breeds!
Why, thank you, Kate! If you see us at the Market Cafe, by all means head on over and introduce yourself! I’d love to meet you, and I’m sure our friend Ben and Silence would, too!