The Proclivities and Perils of Pepper

I used to say that one of the big downsides of getting a pet is that you usually outlive them. It’s just too sad when you do. It occurred to me today that I have finally reached the age and stage where that might not be true anymore. <<phew>> The way things are going, we might “go” together. There was a point–when Pepper had been with me for 2 weeks and 6 days, to be exact–that I was pretty sure I would need to find another “loving” home for him (I’m just being honest) or I would lose my mind. Fortunately, we turned a corner. My life has been transforming in many ways since Pepper came on the scene 4+ weeks ago:

~I have an upgraded status with the neighbors’ dogs on all 3 sides of our backyard. They are all large and, until my “sidekick” arrived, they barked profusely at me through the fence if I dared walk into my backyard. Now, I’m the cool human in the ‘hood. I have a little puppy that they have welcomed with open arms. No more barking! Mind you, I have not seen any of these dogs face to face–just big feet and noses poking under the fence. One day we will meet!

~I am on my knees more than ever, and I don’t mean in a praying mode, although I might as well while I’m down there. I am either cleaning up “accidents” or retrieving balls that rolled under sofas. If I don’t retrieve them immediately, Pepper will start scratching at the sofas to get the balls himself. So he’s got me there; no dilly-dallying allowed.

~I have exponentially increased my chances of “expiring” or becoming debilitated from a fall since Pepper arrived. Seriously, it’s amazing that neither one of us (or both at the same time) has been hurt due to Pepper either frequently shadowing me when I don’t realize it or getting frisky and running pass-interference at .the most random moment (congratulations, Kansas City Chiefs! Thanks for a THRILLING game!!). If it weren’t so humiliating and expensive, I should seriously consider getting Life Alert.

~I’m learning how to get used to living with a new “person” in my life. Whether it’s a roommate, a spouse, a baby, or a pet, we each bring our own personalities, preferences, and eccentricities to the table, and it takes time to adjust. One thing I found out quite accidentally that drives Pepper completely wild is my singing. When I had only had him a week or two, he was sitting on my lap and I started singing the Beatle’s “All You Need Is Love” to him. It startled him, like I had morphed into some strange creature, and he pounced on me in the crazy way dogs do when something stirs them. True confession: I sing to Pepper when I want to push his buttons (I think it’s fair, for all of the times I clean up after him). Today I sang one of my favorite songs from “The King and I”–“Getting to Know You.” It seemed appropriate. Pepper was stretched out on his side on my lap. This time–I kid you not–he took his paw and put it over his exposed ear. It was quite hysterical!

~I’ve learned how to set boundaries with Pepper. They’re called “puppy gates.” What took me so long? I can breathe again and have fewer areas to be concerned about where Pepper might be and what he might be doing behind my back. Although, in all fairness, one of his favorite places to be is sitting on–yes, ON–my feet, chewing on a bone. It’s quite precious.

~I have been reminded that puppies, like children, are willing to get one’s attention whichever way they can–through both positive and negative behavior–the consequences, whatever they may be, are so worth it to them. Pepper is a con-artist. Things were going so smoothly, and then 3 days ago I found Pepper’s water and food dish contents dumped all over the floor. How did this happen? Was it an accident? Why, all of a sudden, now? I put Pepper in his crate so I could clean everything up while he watched (which meant nothing to him). I was willing to call it a fluke–a one-time occurrence. Until it happened a second time the next day. Clean up. Then, in that same day, I happened to glance over at Pepper and he had put his foot in the middle of the water portion of his feeding dish and was just getting ready to tip it over. BUSTED!! My puppy training book says that puppies have a memory of approximately 1.5 seconds so they won’t remember why you’re upset with them. Not to worry, dogs are very smart, and if I can believe Pavlov and his experiments (and I do), Pepper will soon understand that every time he dumps his food/water dish, he goes in the crate for an undisclosed amount of time and I put away his dish until the next meal. He doesn’t dare whimper.

~I think this is going to work out. I’m a little old to be starting over with anything, but here I am. I like to think that Pepper is keeping me from becoming too self-centered, in my singleness. He is, without a doubt, contributing to my sanctification. And he is improving with age. He plays well, loves well and unconditionally, snuggles well, and keeps me laughing. He is always glad to see me! Always! It’s nice to be so adored!! And he still doesn’t bark! Hallelujah!!

Getting to Know You

Getting to know you,
Getting to know all about you.
Getting to like you,
Getting to hope you like me.

Getting to know you,
Putting it my way,
But nicely,
You are precisely,
My cup of tea.

Getting to know you,
Getting to feel free and easy
When I am with you,
Getting to know what to say

Haven’t you noticed
Suddenly I’m bright and breezy?
Because of all the beautiful and new
Things I’m learning about you
Day by day.