Monday, June 29, 2020

CALLIE IS CONFUSED


My dog Callie, like any good roommate that pays attention, can read me.  She has learned all the subtle signals I give out that affect her.

If I say,"Do you wanna---" I don't have to finish the sentence for it is usually something she will enjoy.  The ending words are usually, "Go for a ride?" "Go outside?"  " eat?" or the very best, "cookie?"  I don't ever announce a bath so that word isn't in her vocabulary. It remains an unpleasant surprise.

But I have some signals that aren't verbal.  If I am at the computer and switch glasses, that means we are either going to the couch or outside.  Outside is preferable but couch means some fine petting time. She is good with either and is on the instant alert with the glasses change and is off the bed and ready to go.

However, if I put on my bra, she just goes back to sleep.  That means she isn't going or worse if she is, it could mean the veterinary. The same applies to when I put on lipstick. That rules out anything fun for her.

However with the new Covid rules, I no longer put on lipstick thanks to the mask so she thinks going could be fun for her.  This past Thursday my lack of lipstick lead her to eagerly leap into the car thinking the ride was harmless. Sadly we ended up at the vets for a heart worm check.  She really does not like needles.

Interesting how the vet works these days.  They came to my car, took Callie on a leash inside as the only dog, tested her, got her meds and brought all back to the car. I never set foot on the ground.  Somethings I could get use to.

However now she seems distrustful of me and confused by my signals. Sigh.

Just curious. Did any of you get that Godzilla dust storm from Africa?  I was confined to my home for 3 days as people with lung conditions were warned not to go outside. I thought some of the Covid restrictions were annoying but not leaving your house to even go outside was a bit much.  There is another dust storm coming so it is not over for me yet.  Hope you were spared or at least not medically confined to quarters.

Stay safe.

51 comments :

  1. We were suppose to get that dust, but I didn't notice 'cause heavy rains caused the overcast sky. More is to come in another wave. Poor Callie!

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    1. Anni,
      I thought you would get it worse than us but glad you didn't. It is huge and isn't done with us yet. Hope it keeps missing you.

      Delete
  2. I hadn't realized that the dust was scheduled to arrive here as early as it did. Always very early in the morning I like to stand at the front door and watch all of the young squirrels playing, and the different birds, ad take a quick look at what my flowers are doing, and smell the roses when their scent is the sweetest. Yesterday I did that and the air was so heavy, I thought with just humidity, but immediately after, I started a coughing spell that just wouldn't settle down until I took a prescription cough medicine. Just a little while later I heard on the weather that the dust cloud was starting to arrive. Since then we have had some heavy rains, but I think that my coughing was caused by that dust.

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    1. susie,
      I think you are right about the coughing. At first they said only those compromised to stay out of it but now they are recommending all stay inside. Be safe.

      Delete
  3. I hit the send button too soon. Isn't it funny how our pups watch us for every sign of something that will involve them. My Fuzzy Pom has my whole wardrobe figured out as to how it will affect him. When I put on a bra, it usually means I am leaving the house without him, which means it is time for him to start being agitated, he misses me before I even leave. However, if I put on a bra and then put the pair of slacks and older top I wear to take him to the vet or groomer he knows that, too, and gets all excited. He is always so excited about car riding that he puts the fact that he is usually going to the groomer or the vet aside until he gets out of the car and gets right to their door. Then he is ready to get back in the car before going in.

    Before he became deaf he monitored and knew every word we would say and could always tell if we were talking to our daughter on the phone. That usually meant that our grandson was going to be coming to our house and Fuzzy dearly loves him, even though our grandson is big now and tall and wears big shoes that Fuzzy doesn't like anyone wearing, Fuzzy still remembers his scent and loves him as much as when he was closer to Fuzzy's size.
    After 10 years, our daughter and son in law are expecting a baby, our grandson will be a big brother. If this evil covid 19 ever goes away our Fuzzy Pom will be able to help babysit again. He loves babies and toddlers.

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    1. susie,
      Fuzzy sounds like he has you totally figured out. Isn't it amazing how they pick up on signals we would totally miss.

      Delete
  4. Callie is a wise dog.

    The dust storm didn't make it to the UK but high winds have! And rain. Lockdown is so much easier in the sun.

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    1. Joey,
      Isn't that the truth? When many of our options are taken from us, the ability to walk out the door is such a treat. Stay dust free.

      Delete
  5. Reminds me of Breezy, my very large white shepherd. Putting on shoes meant going out to play in the yard ar a drive in the card. It got to the point that I had to hide to put on my shoes when I was going to work.

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    1. smartcat,
      That is funny. I have heard of having to spell in front of a dog but hiding to dress is new.

      Delete
  6. Hi Patti! We're too far north (NY) to be affected by the dust storm. But talk about adding insult to injury. So hard on those with any type of compromised lung function.

    Dogs are so smart! I don't have a dog now, but for years we had a series of beloved black labs. Not only are dogs super smart, but I swear they are also "training" us too! Ha ha.

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    1. Carole,
      You got it and most of us eventually realize who is being trained.
      Hope you can stay out of the dust. It is a huge mass.

      Delete
  7. The dust storm is going to be with us for two weeks, I heard. it's thousands miles long. Not here in Michigan but where it's at they say it makes the sunset really pretty.

    Our vet does the same thing and Levi is going tomorrow for his May check up. Finally!

    Dogs are so smart. Levi is the exact same with with lipstick and "do you want..."

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    1. Jean,
      Yes that storm is a monster. Be glad when Africa quits throwing sand at us.
      Have you noticed how long your lipstick will probably last during these mask days? I rarely wear it now. Kind of miss it.

      Delete
  8. I have a friend whose dog whines and barks if she leaves without her. But if my friend says, "time to go to church," the dog just goes back to sleep, apparently understanding that church is sacred time for her person.

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    1. Olga,
      Now that is a really smart dog. The dog not only knows signals but knows what places are off limits.

      Delete
  9. Oh Callie is a smart cookie like Izzy. Same thing. Take my computer glasses off and she gets so excited because my attention is all on her again. Same things. Going to the vet this evening. I was told what you just explained and how it would happen. Interesting but I'm okay with it. But I'll wear a real bra just in case. :-)

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    1. Margaret,
      Got me laughing out loud. I did the same thing about wearing a bra for the vet even though I wouldn't get out. Ya never know:)

      Delete
  10. Faith is the same way, reading me, watching how I dress. When the hiking boots come on, she knows she will be going outside and the anticipation and joy is huge. When my purse comes out, she watches the door as she knows I'm about to leave her at home. Samson doesn't do this, but he gets very upset when he's figured out I will leave without him.

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    1. Inger,
      Callie watches the purse also. Interesting how Faith reads you so well but Samson doesn't and you have had him for much longer. Guess he is just waiting to see for sure what happens.

      Delete
  11. Patti, thanks for my big smile today--I sure enjoyed reading about Callie. Sorry about the African dust storm though?! I didn't hear a word about this! Sure hope you & your critters are well. :)

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    1. Doug,
      Delighted I could give you a smile. You could sure use a few (gentle ones). That African dust storm is huge and seems happy to hit the US. My brother in Ohio says they may get some of it. That is pretty close to you. Stay safe.

      Delete
  12. I like how Callie reads your cues. She's such a smarty. No dust storm here, but I've seen some photos of it in the south and in Mexico. Wow! What a surprise that is. Take care there, Patti.

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  13. robin,
    I guess we have had them before but don't think they were this large. Africa is sending us quite a bit of their real estate. Always something huh?

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  14. Hi There, OH YES---we had that Dust here. Fri/Sat were our worst days --but it rained on Sunday, so that helped. The weather people say that we get the dust most every year --but this year is much worse.

    Poor Callie.... You did trick her, didn't you? ha ha.... Bet she is thinking up ways now to 'understand' you better!!!!! ha ha

    I had fun with my Blog Post today... There's a battle going on between my Canon and my iPhone.... I love to get people's thoughts/reactions... Thanks for commenting.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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    1. Betsy,
      I am surprised to hear how many people did get that dusting. Guess there is more coming. Be careful.

      Delete
  15. Animals are so smart about both verbal and nonverbal cues. I hardly use lipstick anymore - I guess the masks are good for something besides germs. I'm getting very accustomed to the grocery store pickup! I may just keep doing it even when we're not trying to isolate. I don't get any fresh fruit or produce for pickup but all other groceries. They don't charge us extra, but we tip the person who brings the bags to the van. Also, we go very early and have become accustomed to that schedule. We're back by midmorning so not much of the day wasted. Stay well, Patti. No dust here in the mountains but the pine pollen forced us inside a couple days.

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    1. Barb,
      Know what you mean about the grocery pick up. We don't have it here but my brother in Ohio says the same as you. He is ready for it to become a permanent thing. Maybe something good will come from all this.

      Delete
  16. It simply amazes me how smart our critters are. Cats probably know the same things as dogs, but they don't care as much. We haven't had any dust up here in the Pacific Northwest and I'm glad for that. Your posts are always so much fun to read! :-)

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    1. Djan,
      Glad you have been spared the dust. Not much fun on top of normal? lock down.
      Laughed about cats knowing the same but don't care as much.

      Delete
  17. Smart Callie! I'm grateful that we aren't in the path of any dust storm. Hope it passes quickly.

    Take care and stay well!

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    1. Eileen,
      Think you are safe where you are. You aren't missing anything.

      Delete
  18. Many people say their dogs are upset with the owners wearing masks. Just doesn't seem right to them and they don't like it. Yes, we have the dust here in the mountains. Happens every year but this year is much worse than usual.

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    1. Carolyn,
      Sorry you got the dusting also. This has been a particularly bad one and I guess it isn't done with us yet.
      Callie hasn't seen me in a mask but I can see why it would upset a dog.

      Delete
  19. Don't think cats don't understand your words or actions... they definitely do. I think after years living together, they all very well know what means what. Some more than others naturally (just like people). And I had to laugh at the comment about the dogs not liking people wearing masks. I can see that... even the cats look at you funny.

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    1. Rian,
      I know Minnie is pretty observant but it doesn't stop her from demanding what she thinks she wants at the moment if our signals go against her wishes.

      Delete
  20. I really enjoyed reading about how Callie reads you. That connection is wonderful.
    No dust here in the PNW.

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    1. Linda,
      It certainly helps her to navigate her day to know when to get excited and when to go back to sleep.

      Delete
  21. Poor Callie. I saw images of that dust storm on TV but then forgot to watch for it here. I don't think we got any of that dust here in South Australia. I'm sure I would remember that.

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    1. River,
      I'm sure you would have noticed. One benefit of the storm was that the sunsets and sunrises were pretty spectacular and quite colorful.

      Delete
  22. didn't make it to AZ. We have our own dust storms (haboobs) to deal with. Sorry you were stuck indoors!

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    1. Silver,
      Guess I should be glad they aren't too common here.

      Delete
  23. I was really expecting the Dust Storm to strike Houston because it falls into the "what it falls into the what else can go wrong" category. So far, I've been breathing fine so if the Dust Storm and the Republicans just stay away I might be ok.

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    1. Barbara,
      I really thought you would get some of it. Glad you didn't. Stay safe from those Republicans:)

      Delete
  24. I so enjoyed reading this post, Patti. Callie is such a smart dog and loves (and trusts) you so much.

    My daughter says they saw the effects of the dust storm. I’ve written a post about it and scheduled it to go up later.

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    1. Kay,
      I enjoyed your post. We were supposed to get the pretty sunsets and sunrises but we just got thick air.

      Delete
  25. Oh wow, my kids were just like Callie. Every time they saw me put on lipstick they started with, "I wanna go"....where are we going....can we go too."

    Like you I have had to remain in the house due to the dust. This weekend I'll be inside due to extreme heat.

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    1. Olkhdan,
      Do you get the feeling with all the mask wearing that our lipsticks will last a long time?
      Sorry you got it too. Know it isn't fun with compromised lungs.

      Delete
  26. I believe that part of North Carolina got the dust but nothing in my area. Just HOT ... not my favorite. (Once again I thank you your support. It means a lot to me)

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  27. What a smart dogggie you have!

    Sorry you have confused her though.

    Poor baby! ~smile~

    Try to stay cool,
    and find some Joy,
    with some Ice Cream!!!!
    🍦😋 🍧

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