02/07/2023
Clearly the fine folks in our former neighborhood never warned our Texas neighbors about the shenanigans that occur at Casa de Wheeler. It started with Shiner and clearly has been a legacy item passed down to the next generation of Wheeler dogs.
For me, it was another day of canine routines. The primary one being in taking the canine princes for their neighborhood patrol. While they are handsome, stunning, and a sight to behold, its also another opportunity to show the world why we just can't seem to get it together.
I decided to try something different on our walks. Instead of taking two dogs who cannot walk together on one split lead (I look like I am flying Santa's sled), I took them individually to get quality time with each pup while also having more of my wits about us. I can focus on the one dog and not constantly show up on my neighbors Ring cameras squeaking about "wait for your brother" or "you know who peed there, it was your brother, you just saw him so you don't need to smell it", or "please do that over here and not there"...you get the picture. The whole experience is a collective effort of skills, talent, and hope.
Before I share what happened on this walk, let me give you a bit of history here- sometimes, Murphy gets excited about anyone going outside when he is left inside. So his jumping in excitement has been known to lock us out of the house as he accidental trips the deadbolt. Sigh. So in preparation for taking Tripp for his stroll, I have to shift gears to make this solo dog walk happen.
It starts with putting a harness on Tripp. Let me rephrase, putting the harness on properly, while deflecting the malligator brother who wants to tag along. When we are preparing to walk out the door, I have to throw a treat to distract said malligator pup so we can make it out the door. I'll deal with the disappointment when I return from the first walk.
No sooner do I execute a flawless toss, the door slams and then I realize, I haven't unlocked the gate in case he locks me out. Bob is out of town so let's start problem solving there. Now Tripp, once he is out, he is focused and not even remotely interested in doing anything but his walk, his way, on his terms. I tried to get him to turn around so I could secure our passage back into the house but he wouldn't budge. So I tried to stretch myself from his point of refusal to the front door but folks, Nadia Comaneci couldn't have made this connection. And I am sure anyone looking at our yard is begging me to stop trying because I am embarrassing myself but that's also why they are calling others to come look at this sh*tshow in our front yard.
I pulled on the leash, I offered a treat, and finally, I begged. Nothing was moving him from his goal nor delay him from his prance around the neighborhood. Now when Tripp goes for his walk, its a casual stroll of smells, bio breaks, and a saunter that truly reveals his cool and relaxed style of walking. Until something upsets his world and then its a variety of reactions.
He has his routines and dislikes anything that deviates from his norm. If he sees a man he is not familiar with, he barks and lets everyone know he is not a fan. If he stumbles across a new smell or a new dog, there are questions to be answered. But when this new item arrived on our walk, well, no one was really sure how to respond- a stuff alligator toy attached to the gate of the trailer. Tripp simply barked his displeasure at the addition but kept walking but did give the occasion side eye to those involved. We made it back to the house relatively smoothly and went in to shift gears.
Now his brother Murphy.....another story. To get his harness on, the level of excitement and degree of difficulty revivals any of the Cirque de Soleil shows. Honestly, it's all puppy, teeth, harness, leash, it's just a mess. Add in that Tripp wasn't done walking so now he is circling me like a hawk surrounding his prey because he wants to go on a second walk. So here I stand, negotiating and making deals with two canines- just to take them for a walk!
I finally get the harness on, and the leash, and we head for the door. But no- Tripp is standing in front of the door and not moving....except for his tail. Breaks my heart to say no, but manning these two pups on one walk, without reinforcements- hell, a gal needs some help. So I negative my passage around Tripp and get Murphy lined up to go out.
We launch out of the door like he has been in Shawshank for years and I am just flying in the wind attached to the other end of the leash. The door may or may not have closed, who the hell knows because I am already rounding the corner and have lost sight of the front porch. Between the sniffing, the peeing, and the chasing every blade of grass, I just try to catch my balance and breath for the walk. And then it all goes silent. Still. Focused.
And all I can do is prepare myself for whatever madness this malligator has for me. AND WE ARE OFF!
Words fail to describe the embarrassment of telling your elderly neighbor, who you don't know and I am not even sure she understood me (language) that I am truly sorry. I am sorry my puppy ran up on you while you were taking your morning stroll through our lovely neighborhood. While I am glad you were pleased with his puppy kisses and general charm, I do think it was a bit much that he tried to unravel your tennis balls attached to the legs of your walker. When we get home, we will discuss with him how this is not the best of approaches in making new friends.
After distracting Murphy from her tennis balls, we return to our routine of walks, smells, and general enjoyment of the neighborhood. Same path, same crew, same alligator but different glances at me that I am back with a different, and bigger dog. Murphy barks hello, they wave, and we all go about our usual business.
I've learned that Murphy's approach to walks is much different than Tripp's. Tripp is about the experience of being present and enjoying the moment- smells, interactions, peace and quiet. Murphy is a Tasmanian devil of smells, kisses, and over the top enthusiasm for life. Doesn't really focus on much and seeks lovies from all.
In total, the combined dual walk took 30 minutes and required treats for them and a big cup of coffee for me. Once we got home, all got treats, breakfast, followed by a nap while I prepared for my workday. When I chatted with Bob later and he asked how the walk went, my response was "it was fine." I figured there was no need to share with him the latest antics because he knew in one way or another, he would hear about it.
A few hours later, as they slept in my office, I just reflected on how lucky we are to have them, and how much they truly give us back in so many ways. Trust me when I say, get you a rescue or two- they never disappoint.
