The Three of Us

Apparently, I am one lucky pup. Or at least that is what my mom, Tanya, tells me. She says I’m lucky she adopted me. She says I’m lucky I have a big sister in Sambuca. I’m lucky that I get breakfast and dinner every day along with healthy snacks like carrots, cheese, blueberries, strawberries and even broccoli. She says I’m lucky to have so many dog toys and dog beds.

Yada. Yada. I get it lady, I’m lucky.

My mom works from home. She has a nice office set up with a desk and chair, and a bookshelf.  Under the desk there are two dog beds: one for Sambuca and one just for me.  I do admit, she’s great that way. Dog beds for everybody!  There is also one in the bedroom and another in the living room.

It was a workday.  How do I know? Well, the routine is different.  Tanya still has her coffee in the morning but there is no walk to the ocean or to Shubie Park.  We stay local. She takes us on a nice stroll through the neighbourhood.  Sambuca and I do our business and then we have some time to sniff and investigate.

Sometimes, we even find a treasure! On this particular morning, I sniff and sniff at a bush. There is something in there that I need to acquire! I feel a pull on the leash, but I stand my ground.

‘Let’s go Appy.”

Nope, not this time lady.

My nose has a mind of its own. But so does Tanya.

“Appy, c’mon.” Another yank.

I found something! Got it!!!  And I start chomping down.

“Apothic Red Nelly Maier!”

Oh-oh.

“Spit that out right now! “She commands.  I take another bite.

Within seconds, Tanya opens my mouth, sticks her fingers inside and grabs my treasure.

“Gross Appy! We don’t eat stale cookies.”

We don’t?

“Bad girl.” Bad, bad girl.”

Both Tanya and Sambuca are glaring at me.  Me sorry.

“Do you see Sambuca eating gross stuff on our walks?”

Ummm, I’m thinking.

Tanya answers herself. “No. She’s a good girl.” Sambuca gets a pat and a kiss on the head.

We continue our walk.

Once we get home, Tanya is all business. We get our paws wiped with a towel.  We get a treat.  And then breakfast.

Tanya goes into her office and sits at her desk.  Tippy tap, tippy tap.  That’s all we hear for a bit.

Sometimes, during the day, she has conference calls.  She puts a headset on and talks to her people.  One day, Tanya grabbed me and sat me on her lap.  On one of her screens, there was a person talking to me!

“Hi Appy! My name is Shannon and I work with your mom!”

I lean in. Fascinating! Mom grabs my front paw and waves it.

“Are her ears always up?” Shannon asks.

“Yes, even when she sleeps.” Tanya puts me back down on the carpet. “Okay, App, mommy has some training to do.”

Sambuca is lying under the desk in her bed.  Yawn, me sleepy.

After my nap, I notice Tanya still at her desk.  No headphones on but there is talking.  She is concentrating on her screen and typing away.

I stand up and stretch.  I put my front paws on her leg. Hi Momma!!!

“Hi Appy!” she pats the top of my head. “Mommy is on a training call, okay? Go lie down.”

I paw her. Excuse me! Look how cute I am.

I get ignored.  Sambuca opens one eye.

I paw her again.

“Appy, no! I’ll take you girls out when I’m finished.”

Sambuca tells me to go get a toy to occupy myself.

I go into the kitchen for a drink of water and return to the office.  No acknowledgement from Tanya. 

Hello! I’m back. Did you miss me?

I go to my bed and start digging at it. This will get me some attention!  I look up. Nothing. No reaction.  I dig some more.  And then, just like that something is flowing out from the inside of the dog bed!

I try some. Hmm. Not really much taste to it.  I eat some more.

Sambuca hears me and opens her eyes. Stop that!

What? Why? I ask, with a mouth full of this tasteless but incredibly soft substance.

You are going to get sick! That’s why! You shouldn’t eat that!

“Bye everyone! Thank you. Have a great day.” We hear Tanya say. “Okay girls, it’s time for our……”

“Oh no Appy! No! No!”

Tanya gets down on the carpet and starts picking up my discovery.  “Why are you eating your bed?”

I don’t know…

“Spit that out right now Miss!”

The look she gave me meant business.

I do what I am told this time.

“This is stuffing and it’s not good for you, Appy.” Tanya yanks the bed from me and starts to push the brown stuffing back inside it.

“Come here!” She tells me.

I comply.

I get a tap on my bum. “Bad girl.  We don’t eat our dog bed.” Tanya turns to Sambuca.

“Sambuca never, ever, ever eats her dog bed.”

Figured as much.

“She’s the Best.” She says lovingly about my big sister, giving her an ear scratch.  “And now for you, little Miss!”

Me know. I’m the bad one.  I bow my head in shame.

“Oh Appy, I know you are a puppy but please don’t ever do that again.  We don’t eat stuffing. It’s not good for your tummy.” She explains. “I hope you didn’t eat too much of that. I would hate to have to take you to Dr. Jane.”

Dr. Jane??? Oh no, ‘nough said!

Why is it some things I eat are okay, but other things send me to Dr. Jane??

Tanya gives me a cuddle and kisses my head. “Good thing you are cute. I can never stay mad at you.”

I know.   And now I also know, no eating da stuffing.