Dog Is Fine

My Dear Princess and Dear Fellow,

Briar and I were texting each other with ideas about the FOBs working from home together. I told her that Paraparaumu would not be suitable because cats* but I was unsure if Tawa** would be suitable because dog***.

DOG IS FINE

Replied Briar.

In the event, it was just me who went to work**** at Olivia's house in Tawa today. I caught the train after ten and arrived at Olivia's lovely house just after eleven to the sound of woofing.

Georgie the Dog is not a very barky dog, but she protects her home vigorously. Once I got inside however, she was the shyest dog I have ever met. There was no jumping up and licky-face malarkey. She sort of edged around me, putting Olivia between me and her and watching me nervously. 

I got Squeaky Donkey out of my bag and offered it to her. She very politely took Squeaky Donkey in her mouth and RAN AWAY. 

"She does that," explained Olivia. "She thinks you might try to take it away from her again." 

Georgie hid behind the couch. 

I decided to make friends by lying on Olivia's carpet and making myself as unthreatening as possible. Georgie came sniffing around and eventually decided that I would be allowed pats and strokes. So I stroked her gently, almost like a cat and soon she was smiling at me. 

I had also brought doggy treats of course, so then Olivia showed me how well-behaved Georgie is. And as soon as the packet was open, Georgie's bum was on the floor with a THUD, waiting patiently in the sitting position. 

This is a well-behaved doggy.

Georgie then did roll over, shake hands, sit, stay and STAY WITH TREAT ON PAW. 

"Okay," said Olivia. And Georgie ate the treat. 

Olivia then made me lunch (poached eggs on toast, naturally) and Georgie sat at my feet and watched me eat. She was so good I offered her more doggy treats and - 

THUD

- that was Georgie sitting down and waiting again.

We then went back to playing with Squeaky Donkey. This time Georgie was a lot more interactive, giving me the Doggy Bow and dancing around with her new toy. She was by this stage very smiley and following me around happily.

"Awwww you've made a new friend!" said Olivia. 

So it was a LOVELY doggy day date today! It was just what I had needed after a fairly stressy week. Olivia told me that Georgie will remember me the next time I am around and this makes me happy because she is such a lovely, sweet, almost cat-like doggy. 

Next time I might bring Squeaky Dinosaur.

S.

*       Olivia is very allergic to cats. 
**     Where Olivia lives.
***   We are unsure how Briar feels about dogs. 
**** In air quotes.