4.28.2011

April 28, 2011

White Dog jumped down and pawed her sister, Nuka, a high five. "Wow! That was some acting job!" she complimented, "you almost had me convinced!" Puff stood next to the beaming AWD and nuzzled her side, "You really had Michael going!"

Quinn came out and reminded the girls that humor based on scaring someone was not very nice. He agreed that Another White Dog had been pretty resourceful at getting out of a task she did not want to do.

One of Michael's afternoon "chores" is that he must walk around the block twice everyday. His doctor felt this would help with his circulation issues and that it would also help develop independence. He is allowed to take either TOWD or AWD with him for company if they choose to go. Michael really does not like to walk alone and many afternoons I can hear him trying desperately to talk one or the other into joining him. Quinn has developed a sixth sense about when it is 4pm and he heads out the dog door into the yard to avoid being chosen as that walk time approaches. Nuka usually sighs and reluctantly goes along (once she is outside and heading down the drive she is fine, it is just leveraging her out of the house that Michael has problems with).

Today, as usual, Michael led her by her leash out of the office toward the front door. She had grumbled up a storm. They turned the corner, entered the living room and AWD fell over in a heap on her side. Plop! Nuka down! Mayday! There she lay, totally unmoving and unresponsive to pets, tickles, calls, attempts to bribe her. "Oh no, I think I killed her," Michael starting getting upset. "Call the vet right away!" Still AWD lay unmoving.

"Calm down," I said as I lifted Nuka into my lap and held her like a baby. Her head dangled over my arm and she did not even flinch. "Let's take the leash off and I will check her over before we panic. Go for your walk and we will call Dr. Julia when you get back if we need to." I felt her breathing normally and her pulse was fine. Another White Dog held her position as I pushed and prodded and finally with a fearful look over his shoulder, Michael walked outside.

Nuka waited a few more seconds after he left then started twisting and squirming. There was nothing wrong. She hopped down out of my arms and went into the kitchen for a mouthful of kibble and a drink of water. Then she came back and curled up at my feet.

Our little actress had totally scammed Michael (even I was starting to get a little concerned). She didn't want to go for a walk and this time she wasn't going to let him talk her into it! So she pulled a little "Go on, don't worry about me...save yourself trick" and performed dead dog as convincingly as White Dog has been trained to do (although Nuka didn't bark "last words" as WD does). It was an award winning performance.

When he came back, Michael was amazed at her "recovery." When I explained that he had been conned, he shook his head at Nuka and told her that her joke was mean...but later as he recounted it to Steve, even he could see the humor in the drama.

14 comments:

TwoSpecialWires said...

All's well that ends well. We're glad Michael got his walk in, independently!!!!

Headed to bed,
Jake and Fergi

Suka said...

hey White Dog Army,

Poor Michael! That is a scary situation to be in. I am glad he was able to see the humor in it at the end. And "Yay!" to Michael for continuing with his walk alone!

Nuka, you are a drama queen! Very clever way to get out of a walk! I know you did not mean to scare Michael, and that you did not know such a great acting performance would upset him. Sometimes our actions can be misread. But, at least now he knows your feelings on walks! :->

Suka

24 Paws of Love said...

I've never heard of a dog not wanting to go for a walk. That's a vote for insanity in our house!! BOL!

Glad Nuka was really OK and hope she didn't scare Michael too bad! I think I'd be freaking out. Glad he was able to see the humor in it.

Teddy Bear said...

And the Best Actress Award goes to...Nuka! Well done, my Friend!:) Poor Michael. I bet he was scared half to death. We hope he'll have a white furry Companion joining him for his walk tomorrow.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear & Sierra

Brian's Home Blog said...

Silly thing, that would have scared me too!

The Daily Pip said...

I am not a huge fan of walks either - don't tell anyone!

Your pal, Pip

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Holee Cows!!! Nuka....way ta go! You outsmarted a....hooman! We all needs to takes a lesson from you's. :o)

Kari in Alaska said...

why would the pups NOT want to walk? Walks are the highlight oh my threes day!

Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

Remington said...

I get it....some days I just do not want to go for a walk....

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

What a smart little pup, but we don't understand why she wouldn't want to go for a walk - we LOVE our walks, anytime, anywhere, with anyone, alone or as a pack.

Phantom manages to pull a fast one on TD and Ciara every night. He pretends he really wants to go outside, rings the bell frantically with his snooter. Then as soon as he politely lets the other two head outside, he heads to the kitchen and sits by the treat cabinet:) How could anyone refuse him?

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Sagira said...

Maybe she will enjoy walking someday. We love going for walks and like to pull our humans faster because they are so slow! hehe

KB said...

Nuka - You are TOO smart. You should be in the movies!

I hope that Michael finds a walking buddy among the army. Maybe some super special treats, like chicken or something, would convince one of them that walking is FUN!

Jacqueline said...

We're sorry Michael was scared and relieved Nuka was alright=Michael is such a caring sweetheart and Nuka is a beautiful, smart girl!...Happy weekend, dear friends...hugs and kisses (extra for wonderful Michael)...Calle, Halle, Sukki

Cappy the Eskie said...

We're all happy that everything is fine now with Nuka and Michael.

Mom was almost hyperventilating, just reading that post.

Hugs and yips,
Cappy and Ollie