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Okay, her name’s really Libby, but the song from “The Sound of Music” still applies. She’s a darling, a demon, and a lamb. Before adopting this dog, we were warned: terriers are scrappy, feisty, willful little creatures. My husband Randy and I had chuckled. How hard can she be? (Warning: this is not for the squeamish).

The Night of the Big Surprise

Randy and I came home around midnight one evening, back from a lovely time out with friends. Nothing seemed amiss. Libby greeted us at the door, tail wagging, happy to see us.

Then the clues began.

First was a small pile of doggie “up-chuck” in the pantry. Wow, I guess she had tummy trouble, I said to myself, cleaning up. Then I spotted another pile in the entry hall and a bigger one in the living room. An uneasy feeling started.

My husband called me into his office. To my horror, on the floor lay an entire, empty box of chocolates he had received as a gift that day. Libby had hopped onto his chair and knocked it to the floor. She’d eaten every bite— including foils and wrappers.

I’ve heard chocolate can be lethal for dogs. I looked at her, relieved she seemed fine, her tail wagging.

But we were far from done.

Coming into the bedroom later, Randy was about to stretch out when he reached under his pillow.The blood-curdling yell my husband let out reminded me of the “horse-head” scene in the Godfather. That’s where Libby had left her worst pile of “indigestion.”

That night, we pulled off sheets and comforter, wondering if the pound had a late-night drop off. (Don’t worry, we wouldn’t). Thank God, Libby was okay, although more than happy to get into her crate that night. I’m not sure if she was feeling funny or sensed we were ready to kill her. 

The Afternoon of The Fall

All I know is I left my husband and dog alone for one day while I saw a New York matinee with a friend. Little did I realize that while I chuckled at the antics onstage, an epic battle between man and beast raged back home.

Randy had made the mistake of leaving our front door open a millisecond too long while he fetched a UPS package. To his shock, Libby went zooming past him, hooked a right and disappeared into our neighbor’s yard. Assuming Libby was visiting her canine boyfriend “Roscoe,” Randy got into his car, driving to the neighbor’s. To his embarrassment, he called for Libby on their property to no avail. He drove home and got out.

Just then a small, furry white streak sped by, nose to the ground, heading toward the back.With no time to lose, Randy followed Libby around the house, tripped, and landed in a pile of dog poo. He lay there, calling for Libby who watched calmly before trotting off into the woods.

To my husband’s credit, he didn’t immediately call animal pest control. Instead, he lumbered back inside to change clothes.

An hour later, there was still no sign of Libby. Sore from his fall, but worried, Randy went to start looking for her again when he found her sitting in our driveway, a bored look on her face, as if to say, “What took you so long?”

And yes, I can see the smiles on you non-dog owners.

Do you know the worst part? You’re right! Your lives are easier, less messy and quieter. You don’t fall in dog poo or worry if your pet’s about to eat a Whitman’s Sampler. Randy and I have had pets for years and Libby needs patience, surveillance, and tolerance in ways we’ve never seen. But here’s the rub. In a strange way, we also need Libby.

We’re almost empty nesters. Our kids are grown. It’s all adults now. How easy to become complacent, predictable, and even bored. Not with Libby.

She chases her tail! She brings us her toys so she can fetch! She jumps! She leaps! She runs! She’s fluffy and funny and adorable! She’s happy all the time! And I have to admit, it’s hard not being caught up in her youthful buoyancy. I understand people who hear these grisly tales and shudder. I would too if it wasn’t me.

But I keep thinking of that song from “The Sound of Music.” Libby is our Maria. She’s a flibbertijibbet. A will-o’-the wisp. A clown!

And I’d like to say a word on her behalf: Libby makes me laugh. (At least most of the time).

 

Do you have a challenging, but adorable pet? Comments are always welcome and if you like this, please share. Thank you!!

Comments(26)

  1. I’ve never had a dog or even been around them much. I have a cat that manages to be a full-time job. Everybody needs something to take care of and maybe complain about!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Nasreen, Cats are so much easier. We’ve always had one. But dogs add a level of craziness that can be fun. I agree, however, they’re acquired tastes.

  2. Yes, you need her. And there’s something about pets when the empty nest looms.

    Gus, came to us as a kitten in our first empty nest year. We are ridiculous with him. He sits on a stool next to us when we eat, he takes his naps where he can see both of us. We talk to him. He follows us like a dog. We ask him if he’d like a fire, how his day’s been, and if he feels okay when he leaves more food in his bowl than usual.

    We say we’re giving him the attention he needs, but we know better.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      So funny! I love how Gus sits on the stool next to you. Sounds like you two dote on Gus as much as we dote on Libby. They really do make a difference later in life. Thanks so much for reading.

  3. I’ve never had a dog, but my sister recently got one. She is in love with it! She says that now there is always someone to welcome her home with joy rather than a “What’s for dinner?”

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Shari, That’s what is so wonderful about dogs. They’re always in a good mood. They’re always so giving. Despite the occasional, ahem, lapses, Libby’s great.

  4. This sounds stupid, but this made me cry (in a good way). My old lady is 15 and last month she was ill while I was at work. She made her way through the whole house, room by room, no doubt looking desperately for someone to let her outside.

    So – funny in that way that these things are funny with people. Puppies and children, our old dogs and our elders. Thank you for this.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Ren, Like people, pets sometimes need forgiveness. And most of the time, when they lapse, they can’t help it. I’m glad this touched you. Thank you for reading.

      1. So much yes to all of this. A crazy bull mastiff a wonky Labrador and now an incorrigible 🙂 goldendoodle. I adore them all

          • Laurie Stone

          • 7 years ago

          Carla, They sound like an adorable trio!

  5. Riley puts everything in his mouth. He’s been to vet emergency too many times.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Carol, We’ve fished plastic bottle caps out of Libby’s mouth. I shudder to think what would happen if she ate it, and then had to “get rid of it.” Shiver.

  6. We raised Old English Sheepdogs for over thirty years. The stories I could tell . . .
    We are down to one now. Aldo. He’s fourteen, which is ancient for an OES, but still bounces like a puppy when he goes outdoors. He spends 23 hours a day sleeping. And the other hour, if we’re not vigilant, in the garbage. Yes. His puppy days have returned. Seriously, I thought he’d gotten this out of his system 12 years ago!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Diane, I love Old English Sheepdogs! Aldo sounds like a sweetie and even these old dogs get their puppy moments back. Thanks for reading!

  7. I used to think “older people” were so funny that they treated their pets like children…..and now, of course, my husband and I do it.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Tam, Me too. Libby is definitely our baby now (and the daughter we never had). Too funny.

    • Helene Cohen Bludman

    • 7 years ago

    I love this post! We have two dogs and I totally empathize about the joys and sorrows. Like you, I think the pleasure way outweighs the pain.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Oh yes, Helene, dogs make life interesting. I can’t imagine going through life without them.

  8. We had dogs as pets growing up, so I like dogs. I learned later in life that dogs are excellent for stress too, no matter how bad your day was, you get to come home to your four-legged FAN who loves you no matter what. AND…dogs are loyal exercise buddies too, but at my age ( almost 50), I’ve traded in dogs for birds and fish. 🙂

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Its funny, Darlene. I just turned 60 and sometimes Libby can require more agility than I have. She’s still a wonderful asset to our lives. And I love birds and fish, so you made a good deal!

  9. We had to put our 18 year old Corgi to sleep a week ago and this is the first thing that’s made me think about him and laugh instead of cry. Duke to do many of the same things. He’d get into Halloween candy if it was left anywhere within his reach. He’d slip out between our feet and we’d be lagging way behind trying to catch him. The list goes on and on. Thanks for reminding me there are good memories of our pet instead of just this hole in our hearts we’re feeling right now.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 7 years ago

      Shelley, They bring so much to the table, both laughter and tears. I’m sorry for your loss. Duke sounds a lot like Libby… tons of personality!

  10. Your experience with the chocolates reminds me of a similar event with my daughter’s Dachshund, McGee. He got into her purse and dug out a chocolate bar. Ate the whole thing. He was still a puppy and not much bigger than the chocolate bar himself. The vet advised her how to induce him to vomit. And she did. Blech.

    Our dogs are almost 13 now, their puppy years long behind them. But they still make us laugh and smile, and the unconditional love is a daily blessing.

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Lisa, Funny how we can measure out our own lives in the lives of our animals. Glad your experience with dogs and chocolate ended up happy.

  11. We have a Libby or Maria…except her name is Rosie. She drives me bananas and I love her like I one of my non-furry children. There’s just something about a dog. Rosie is a rescue mutt. She had a terrible start in life and is afraid of many things. We’ve had her almost 2 years and she’s settled down a lot. Totally worth it, though we still have our moments. Love the post!

      • Laurie Stone

      • 5 years ago

      Leah, Thanks so much. Yes, Rosie sounds like Libby. You can’t live with them and can’t live without them.

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