Photo by Angela Kirk

All of you know how much I love Doc, but lately she has been getting on my last nerve. She feels the need to tell me no, when other humans are telling me yes. She acts like she can boss me around anytime she wants and restrict some of the behaviors I love the most which include eating and begging for attention. Did I mention I love eating? After working on a strategic plan for years that involves manipulating staff and patients into sneaking me treats or any part of their snacks and lunches, she has decided to put the kibosh on my behavior.

I guess I went too far the other day when she noticed I had snuck out of the office and was going door to door begging for tasty morsels whenever I could  smell the aroma of food waffling out into the hallway. It was my version of trick or treat come early. There are also the regulars that keep gourmet dog treats or share their pretzels with me. What a life I live or did live until the boundaries were put in place.

It’s not that I don’t have my supporters. Many came to my defense when she told me no and sent me back to the office. ” Don’t reward him for that behavior,” she said in her strictest voice. But my fans persisted telling her what a good dog I am and how cute I am when I sit and wait like such a good boy. I do have to say, for a bunch of people trained as counselors, they are easy to manipulate. Doc just looked at all of them and said ‘ Boy oh boy, does Grover know how to get over on all of you.”

So it’s Wednesday and Doc hasn’t taken her eye off of me all week. I have been entered into a training course against my will that Doc refers to as Boundary Boot Camp. Every time I even look in the direction of the doorway she says in that voice she uses when she means business, “Don’t even think about it,” It’s freaky the way she can read my mind.