I walked into the kitchen the other evening and looked over to see blind Widget doing "the Loom," as we call it. This is where she stands and stares at another dog who is occupying a chair or bed she wants. In this case, she's focused on deaf Stuart. She will stand there for what seems like an eternity ... and in dog time, it probably is a long time ... staring intently at the hapless victim. There are a few dogs who are either too brave or, usually, too oblivious to notice her looming presence, but typically they wilt under the pressure and quickly give up the coveted spot.
Unfortunately for Widget, Stuart fell into the 'oblivious' category, which drives her crazy. She simply cannot understand why the overpowering energy-field of the Loom doesn't work on all dogs. And in that first photo above, you can tell she's not quite sure how this is going to work with Stuart, because her tail is down, signaling a lower level of confidence. (A confident Widget has an upright, bobbing tail.) Widget is also making soft growling sounds, which of course has zero impact on a deaf dog like Stuart.
But, principle demands that others bend to her indomitable will, so after one more of her "I'm warning you, pal" growls, she climbs up on the chair:
The next weapon in the arsenal is the 'elevated Loom,' which she is demonstrating here:
You can see that Stuart hasn't moved an inch and is completely unfazed by Widget's presence. She senses this, naturally, and therefore ratchets up the pressure with the 'in-your-face elevated Loom' ... the message here is, "What part of 'That's My Chair' don't you understand?":
Now, by this point I was really intrigued at how this stand-off was going to end ... Stuart had totally ignored Widget through the entire process. But then Alayne came through the back door and into the kitchen. Stuart saw her, leaped from the chair and bounded off to greet her. Widget put this one in the "win" column anyway -- blind Beagle captures chair from deaf Beagle!
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Update on Duchess: Little Granny came through her spleen surgery just fine today. However, our vets discovered during the operation a growth on her liver that was not apparent on the ultrasound, so they removed it and are sending it in for a biopsy.
Love your beagles! Please join our beagle list, it's called Happy Tails. We have members from all over the world.
Here is a link to the list
http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/happytails
Hope to see ya there!
Raven, Molly (Beagle) and Lucy (Aussie Kelpie)
Posted by: Raven | May 29, 2008 at 02:13 PM
I love seeing the "action" of what's going on at the RDR! I think Widget is rather lucky that Alayne came in & Stuart adores her.
So glad to hear that Duchess' surgery was successful & am hoping that the news is good.
Hugs to all,
ginger, Tobias & Tlingit
Posted by: ginger & Tobias (the greythound) | April 15, 2008 at 06:12 PM
Well, we know (don't we Widget?) that Stuart used Alayne as his Alibi !!!!!!!!!
Crossing fingers and paws that Duchess's biopsy is benign !
Posted by: Bibi | April 15, 2008 at 05:32 PM
That is too funny!
Glad Dutchess came out of surgery without any problems. Hope the biopsy result is a good one.
Posted by: yoonamaniac | April 15, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Glad to hear Dutchess is doing well. You GO Widget!!!!!
Posted by: gayle | April 15, 2008 at 04:01 PM
Steve, I just read this blog and had one of the BEST laughs I've had in a long while. Your commentary is hilarious (fitting the pics perfect) The Standoff is so typical of a "House Queen" (self-appointed, of course). I know this well, as I have one of those, too! It would make a Great Mastercard commercial:
Comfy chair: $200.00
Billowy Cushion: $50.00
Two disabled (but definately NOT disadvantaged) dogs wanting the same spot: PRICELESS!
Posted by: Barbara Arenal | April 15, 2008 at 02:48 PM
What a funny standoff! Thanks, Steve!
Poor, little Duchess Granny, I know she's feeling none too well right now. I'm sending prayers and good thoughts for her, and for Lady and Mitch, too. In fact, I'm sending them for all of you at RDR. Best wishes!
Posted by: Moon Rani | April 15, 2008 at 01:08 PM
The Loom was working on me from my chair!
I'm glad you were able to capture the whole intimidation and eventually, win of the chair. Widget looks victorius and Stuart was probably happy to get a pat on the head from Alayne. A good win found by all.
Posted by: Boundforglory | April 15, 2008 at 09:20 AM
A beagle is not a wise dog used to thinking deep thoughts. However they are able to focus their microscopic brains when needed. When they do focus you can count on it involving food or comfort. Or better yet being comfortable while eating. Widget is a sterling example of her sub-breed, the Party Beagle. From the folks at the Northern Virginia Widget Fan Club.
Posted by: Bob | April 15, 2008 at 07:36 AM
What a hoot. No one ignores better than a beagle and no one glares/stares better than a beagle.
Glad Granny is better. Hope the biopsy turns ok. I love older dogs -she needs a whole loaf of bread when she comes home.
Posted by: Jennie | April 15, 2008 at 07:08 AM
"Of course it's my chair, it is in my house isn't it?"
Posted by: Andrew, NZ | April 15, 2008 at 04:49 AM
Needless to say, I'm hoping with all my heart that Duchess's liver biopsy comes back negative! I'm so glad to hear that she passed her surgery with flying colours! Brava Duchess!
Widget's behaviour reminds me of our own little "tyrant", Daphne. We could make her an honorary beagle!;-)
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | April 15, 2008 at 04:06 AM
What a scream. I couldn't stop laughing.
Posted by: Lisa James | April 15, 2008 at 01:20 AM
Widget, my dear, you are quite a character!!
Posted by: maggie | April 14, 2008 at 11:29 PM
My thoughts are with the old ladies through their medical diagnosese. I know that even if the prognosis isn't good they are going to be lucky to live out the rest of their lives in the lap of Rolling Dog luxury.
Posted by: Abby in Vegas | April 14, 2008 at 10:47 PM
A win, is a win, is a win! That's so great that you were able to capture the sequence of events on film, Steve!
Glad to hear that Duchess came through surgery and is on the mend, fingers crossed for some good news about her.
Posted by: Kristen D. | April 14, 2008 at 10:26 PM
I can feel the tension through the screen. Too funny! I just wanted to thank you for blogging. We have a fairly large animal family- 2 dogs and 5 cats- that have faced serious medical problems last year and into this one. Two dogs have cancer as does one of the cats, and another cat faced the removal of an eye that we were fortunately able to avert. I love that you give in-depth medical info that is so helpful. The joy you get from these animals and how joyful they are to have a second chance really comes through in your writing and beautiful photos. Keep on doing what you're doing... and thanks for all you do!
Jen
Posted by: jen | April 14, 2008 at 09:49 PM