Long-time blog readers may recall a post from more than two years ago, when I pointed out how blind Widget "looms" over other dogs who just happen to be in a chair she wants. Sometimes this works -- they can't stand the pressure of her sitting right there, looming over them, and they quickly surrender the desired spot to her. Other times it doesn't work, and they ignore her.
Time moves on, but looming endures. The other evening I was sitting in the living room and noticed Widget nosing around at the base of the chair Dexter was sleeping in. I knew what was coming next. She slowly and methodically climbed into the chair, and "the loom" began.
Alas, Dexter was not only completely unruffled, but he studiously ignored her. I noticed his eyes were open, too, so it wasn't like he was sound asleep and unaware of what she was doing. But this was the first time I'd seen Widget do the loom with Dexter, and I didn't know how this one would end.
As the minutes ticked by, she became more focused in her stare:
(Bet you didn't think blind dogs could stare, huh?)
Well, this stand-off, like the one with deaf Stuart in the earlier post, climaxed the same way: Not by conclusive victory, but by distraction -- yes, Alayne walked by and Dexter climbed down to go after her.
Widget doesn't care how these stand-offs end, only that they end ... with her getting what she wants.
This story made me chuckle as I have a tabby cat that will climb onto the 3rd level of their platform "toy" then proceed to loom, then lean into, then finally push off any other cat who might already be there. Thankfully, there have been no injuries, as the pushed cat usually ends up hanging then dropping. Share? :)
Posted by: nancy carlson | August 30, 2010 at 09:31 PM
It's obvious....after being photographed for the previous post, rolling around and symbolizing the ranch, Widget was feeling a sense of entitlement!
Posted by: Marshall Case | August 27, 2010 at 05:06 PM
Widget's always stealing our hearts!
Posted by: Lisa in CA | August 27, 2010 at 04:47 PM
Widget,
Do you have any idea how many people love and adore you? Or how you brighten the day for so many of us? I wish I just give you a big hug and a kiss!
Posted by: Randi | August 27, 2010 at 12:42 PM
I'll bet you anything that Widget ALWAYS thinks the dog moving is because of her silent intimidation and not something else or someone else. Too cute!
Posted by: Miranda | August 27, 2010 at 12:10 PM
That is hilarious. Widget, you certainly don't back down to get what you want, do you?
I love how Dexter decided to try & wait her out. But knowing he wouldn't get any rest being stared at decided the best way to not let Widget know she "stared him down" was to use the excuse to follow Alayne.
I can't believe it's been 2 years since you posted this same scenario between Widget & Stuart. Wow, time sure flies!
Posted by: Colleen & In Memory of Sweet Kitty Erin | August 27, 2010 at 11:55 AM
LOVE it. Baby Sissy did it to Mugsy - "I wanna snuggle!" - then baby Gretchen returned the favor and poor Sis still will give me a look that says, "She's cute, but she's a nuisance you know..."
Posted by: Channon | August 27, 2010 at 11:43 AM
for Ray the Blind Dog..you wrote "I pretend not to notice"...sometimes it is best to just 'turn a blind eye' to certain things ;) (heeheehee)
Posted by: Anne in Florida | August 27, 2010 at 09:12 AM
OH THAT WIDGET! Her posts always make me laugh! : )
Posted by: Christine Baltazar, Portland, OR | August 27, 2010 at 09:10 AM
You really need to compile your blog posts into a book - they never fail to brighten my day!
Posted by: Andrea | August 27, 2010 at 08:46 AM
That is so funny! Like Adele, I never get tired of the stories, especially the Widget tales.
Posted by: Lynne Parker | August 27, 2010 at 08:35 AM
Love it! Great way to start my morning with a dog story and lots of chuckles. You write well.
Posted by: Dee in KY | August 27, 2010 at 06:41 AM
I have 3 dogs, Tara and Angel who are rather large and Kassie who is of medium stature. All Kassie has to do is go up to either Tara or Angel and stare for a moment and they will abandon their comfy napping place. Angel, for example, would be laying on one side of the couch and the other side would be empty. Yet when Kassie wants to get up there she will stare and make Angel get up even though there's plenty of room for both.
Widget, you are the queen! :)
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Posted by: Ann | August 27, 2010 at 05:33 AM
Widget certainly knows what she wants and knows how to get it!;-)
Posted by: Carla Polastro-Nigro | August 27, 2010 at 02:15 AM
Widget is a girl after my own heart.
Posted by: Linda | August 26, 2010 at 10:49 PM
We have a female bulldog and she does the same thing with our two male boxers. When she starts to stare we refer to it as "the stink eye" and the boys always respond by moving. She has no idea she's one-third their size, she rules the roost!
Posted by: Diane B - Snohomish WA | August 26, 2010 at 08:40 PM
I never tire of hearing about your wonderful babies!
Posted by: Adele in the Bronx | August 26, 2010 at 07:23 PM
Ray the Blind Dog does the same thing to my husband, G. Just crawls up on the (favorite) chair behind him, or next to him, or wherever he can fit (he is NOT a small dog) and waits for G. to cave. G. has started to do it to Ray. Just sits on the chair, however he can fit, and waits for Ray to cave.
I pretend not to notice...
Posted by: Ray the Blind Dog | August 26, 2010 at 07:19 PM