As I mentioned in yesterday's post, Alayne and I have been hounded (literally and figuratively) for years by dogs insisting on sharing our meals with us. We have -- yes, it is true -- aided and abetted this culinary extortion.
Each of the dogs has his or her own unique way of pressuring us to give them something from our plates. Bailey a.k.a. Bugsy's technique is the laser-like stare I discussed yesterday. Blind Goldie's approach is purely physical -- she'll paw at us and our chairs relentlessly until we surrender some food. Blind Widget combines multiple techniques -- vocal, physical, and her own version of "the stare" -- into one sure-fire interrogation method to get what she wants. She will stand up on her hind legs, put her little front paws on the edge of my chair, stare intensely at me, and then let loose with some loud woo-woo-woo's. Very effective technique, that one.
(Have I mentioned what it's like to try cooking in the kitchen with this crowd?)
So Alayne and I decided it was time (um, after how many years?) to regain control of our dining room and kitchen and drive the little barbarians out. The answer was a doggie gate with extra panels from Foster & Smith.
Now whenever we are ready to cook or eat, the Huns are placed on the other side of the gate in the living room. In the photo that's Widget on the left, Goldie, and Dexter on the right. Daisy is in the back behind Goldie. (Blind Callie is conked out on the bed and doesn't care.) Bailey had somehow managed to stay in the dining room for this photo but was soon placed on the other side.
Of course, the gate doesn't stop them from standing there and continuing to stare at us, but it just isn't as intense -- and thus as effective -- as when they're swirling around our chairs at the table.
They also know that once we are done eating, Alayne always manages to bring them some saved morsels from our plates. So in the end, they still get what they want -- and isn't that the only thing that matters to a barbarian?
Congratulations (belated) on your beautiful new property!!!!! I know you and all the animals will be very happy there. Glad your trips have been safe, and that things are moving along. Blessings to the both of you, and the animals too.
Posted by: Shirley and all the animals | April 26, 2010 at 09:17 PM
Such cute and irresistible faces on those barbarians!!!!
Posted by: Nina | August 09, 2009 at 06:52 PM
Pretty smart thinking for peace at dinnertime. But I hope you have turned your chairs around so you back is to them. Even from a distance I could never resist those faces. And, would feel awful eating while getting the multiple stare down.
Erin, my kitty doesn't eat any human food & never has. But, what is funny is the interest he shows. At the dining table he sits in a chair opposite me & stares (with only the eyes showing). If I'm eating a snack in the living room he jumps up on the coffee table & has to smell whatever I have. If I offer anything to him, he smells it & turns his head away.
Posted by: Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin | August 07, 2009 at 01:46 PM
Awww - what sad little faces..how can you resist even with the gate? I gave in years ago to the
pugs - they won - I lost ..we share every meal abd the bed. I
think it's their house...?????
Thanks for everything you guys do!!!!
Mo and the 5 pugs : )
Posted by: Maureen | August 06, 2009 at 05:28 PM
well, the inmates have taken over the asylum.
Posted by: Kelly Luchtman | August 06, 2009 at 04:39 PM
ohh,,what fun is that? It's not the food as much as it is the WAY of getting the food...ZEN BEGGING is the Way of the Dog...you guys cheat. Poor little hounds.
;)
Posted by: Amy A | August 06, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Did you bring each dog to the gate to show them it was there? With most of them being blind I envision some collisons! What if Moose goes into a trot and BOOM. (on second thought, Moose doesn't seem like a trotter LOL)
What about Helen and Spinner? Do they not stoop to the "begging for food" level.
Damn, I wish you had a Q&A day; I always have so many questions about how you do all that you do!!!
Posted by: Lynn | August 06, 2009 at 11:24 AM
How Cute? Any update photos of Twist in his new home??
Posted by: gayle | August 06, 2009 at 08:56 AM
Poor pups, they look like they are in jail! I'm surprised that they don't bark at you while you are eating. I know mine would. We have to separate ours when we go to work, I put my little girls behind a gate in the family room, but Mojo the Chi is so little she squirms under the gate when she hears the key in the door. Gotta love em.
Posted by: Debbie B. | August 06, 2009 at 07:39 AM
Your writing is so very funny. I also shop with Foster & Smith and have just ordered a Kuranda bed. Thanks for linking to them in your posts.
I especially love the way you maintain your humor even while dealing with situations like Helen's cancer. You are both truly inspirational.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | August 06, 2009 at 07:12 AM
How cute....smart move Alayne and Steve!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | August 06, 2009 at 01:44 AM
I can relate...my dog constantly bugs me with his paw and has even stuck his head in my popcorn bag while I'm eating it in bed and starts munching away...like he owned it and somehow knew he wouldn't get into trouble.
Posted by: Cora | August 05, 2009 at 10:37 PM
How did Miss Callie get so very chubby if she is crashed out during prime mooching time? Just like at my house.....none of us are exactly starving but we sure like our "yum-yums"!!! I need a gate around my fridge to keep me out for sure.
Posted by: Marla | August 05, 2009 at 10:00 PM