3 Interactions, 3 Outcomes, 3 Final scores

INTERACTION #1:

ASA-vs-HAVER

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Tuesday was a very hot and humid day here in Nebraska. Haver, being a bit more chubby than Asa, does not tolerate the heat very well. His cranky levels increase dramatically and his ability to be patient pretty much melts away. Asa, on the other hand, seems to never have a "bad day." In fact, when his brother is hot and tired, Asa seems to think that Haver is an easier mark. You see, Asa's goal in life seems to be to steal everything that is near and dear to Haver's heart. Then, Asa takes his new "catch" up to the landing on the stairs in the entryway of the house. He considers this his "safe
zone" because:



#1. He has the vantage point of being able to see anyone coming or going.
#2. To get to his "safe spot" someone has to walk up a flight of stairs. As mentioned before, Haver is a bit chubby and tends to avoid any unnecessary movement or exertion. So, Asa's "stash" is pretty safe.

I had to run a couple of errands, leaving Haver and Asa outside in the elements for about an hour. (Now, before someone decides they need to call the Humane Society, please understand that Asa and Haver have the complete run of the property which includes lots of shade and a big container or water.) Whenever we leave the dogs while we go run errands (or attempt to have some kind of a social life) Rod or I will give each of the them a large-sized Milk Bone for them to enjoy while we're gone. (It also doubles as an attempt to not feel so guilty when we see their little faces look so sad as we drive away...yes...we are SUCKERS!)

Generally, what happens with these treats is, Asa eats his in record time. Haver acts very nonchalant, like he doesn't want his, until, Asa comes around and tries to steal it! Then Haver goes into WILD DOG/MICHAEL VICK DOG mode! These little "games" drive me insane!! Asa never, ever learns and Haver never ever changes his reaction. So...

Tuesday, June 2, 2010 1:30 pm...

I return home from running errands. Haver waddles out from the cool bushes to tell me hello. Asa notices that Haver has left his Milk Bone unattended. As Haver gets closer to me, Asa goes in for the grab...One little problem...Asa has miscalculated the level of grumpiness in hot and chubby Haver. When Haver sees Asa going for his beloved Milk Bone, Mr. Big Boy pivots on his back feet and goes after Asa! Unfortunately, Asa has not positioned his body well... and he is now literally backed into a corner...a corner of bushes! The "interaction" doesn't last long, but the outcome is obvious...

Score:
Haver: 1 Asa: 0

INTERACTION #2

ASA-vs-BUNNY
HAVER-vs-BUNNY
ASA-vs-HAVER

Wednesday, June 2, 2010 9:00 p.m...

It was around 9:00 Wednesday night, which means it's time for nightly chores. Nightly chores include:
1. feeding the fish
2. giving Asa and Haver their Prozac (real big shocker...huh???)
3. feed the horses and check their water tanks.

When Rod asks Asa and Haver if they "want to go feed the horses?" they respond as if they've just won lottery! (Of course, for a dog, I think "winning the lottery" would most likely be lots of dog treats and the opportunity to sniff 100 dog rear ends!) The three of them head over to the barn. Usually Asa and Haver will hear or smell something and have to make a couple of side trips before they actually get over to the barn.

On this night, Haver pretty much stayed by Rod on their walk to the barn. Asa however, took off like a shot as soon as they left the house! While Rod and Haver were checking out the horses, Asa comes into the barn, pleased as punch!! He managed to catch a baby bunny! The bunny was fine, very much alive, and something that Haver thought should be his! He starts barking at Asa. Asa (not the smartest one of the two) drops the bunny so he can bark back at Haver. They continue their "He's mine!" "No, he's mine!" conversation while the bunny quickly and quietly hops out of the barn and into the neighbor's yard. Suddenly, Asa and Haver notice "the great find" is gone! They smash their noses to the ground to follow the scent, only to discover that the bunny outsmarted both of them by hopping into the neighbor's yard, where Asa and Haver can't get access!!

Score:
Asa: 0 Haver: 0 Bunny:1

INTERACTION #3
HAVER-vs-ASA-vs-ANNETTE

Thursday, June 3, 2010 2:30 p.m....

I just returned home from a busy day! In the morning I went out to a friend's house for our PEO book club where we enjoyed discussing, "The Help."

After that, I met my friend Dean for lunch at "The Cheesecake Factory." It's so very hard to believe that his wife, my friend, Cindy, passed away a year ago...



Anyway, when I got home, I was pooped! That's one of the things about Pulmonary Hypertension that I don't understand. Socializing, talking and laughing are exhausting! It's kind of a cruel side effect, getting worn out from having fun. A couple of phriends (friends that also have Pulmonary Hypertension) thought it might be from using up so much oxygen while laughing and talking. Whatever the reason, I usually need to rest after having a good time, especially having fun like I did with my PEO friends and my friend Dean!

When I drove into the driveway, Asa and Haver did their usual Happy Dance!! They run around the car, wagging their tails, picking up whatever they can find...just generally letting us know that whoever is in the car is the most important person in the world! Unfortunately, their excitement doesn't slow down once I get out of the car. Then, when we get into the house, they pick up the pace! They each find something to carry, usually a shoe, or a blanket, then they carry it around and around the house like they are in a parade! It's really pretty cute...unless you're really, really tired! There is no calming them down until they finish their "parade" which may last for 3-5 minutes!





Usually, after the "parade" is over, they'll go find a quiet spot to lay down and take a nap. But, not this day! This day Asa spies a bone that he wants! Unfortunately, Haver also sees it! Asa, being lighter on his feet grabs the bone first. While he's trying to sneak it up to his "perch" Haver realizes what's going on. So, Haver goes all CRAZY DOG and, I, being a really tired and crabby old woman, slides into first grade teacher mode! I clap my hands and tell them to "Knock it off!" I grab the bone out of Asa's mouth, open up the front door and throw the bone out into the yard! They look at me, look out the door and they both turn around and go lay down to take a nap! Hah! I still have it!!

Score:
Asa: 0 Haver:0 Annette: 1

Life is never dull with the Markins!

Thanks for checking in.
Thanks for reading.
Annette