I took that photo of Darla on her bed this morning after (apparently) a long night of moving her various blankets around trying to get everything just right. The rather disheveled appearance of her bed didn't seem to bother her. What bothered her was that housekeeping hadn't arrived yet to make the bed and tidy things up. We explained that housekeeping was delayed today because the staff was particularly busy at their other jobs this time of year, which is doing thank-you letters and emails to donors for their year-end gifts. And besides, we pointed out, she would have to actually get off the bed before the housekeepers could make her bed. We left her alone to ponder this.
We added the ramp after her surgery so she wouldn't jump up on to the bed. But we found she wouldn't use the ramp unless we were standing there insisting she use it. She much preferred jumping up and down. So we'd stand there and point to the ramp, blocking her other approaches to and from the bed so she'd have to use the ramp. We'd get that look you get from kids when you tell them, "Eat your spinach. It's good for you."
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Final 2013 Shelter Challenge Underway
The final round of the Shelter Challenge for 2013 began on October 28th and runs until December 22. You can vote every day here. To search for us, type in our name, Rolling Dog Farm, and Lancaster, NH 03584. We just won another $1,000 in the previous round, so your daily votes do bring in serious money for our disabled animals!
Please note that I cannot help with technical or voting problems. I also do not have an "inside track" to anyone at the Shelter Challenge, and I don't know any more about the contest than anyone else does. So if you find yourself having issues, please consult their FAQ page here and their Rules page, which is a pop-up you can find linked on this page.
Thanks for your votes!
The least you could do is put a tidbit on the pillow for the poor dog.
Posted by: Bob | December 21, 2013 at 04:36 PM
Oh, she looks perfectly happy with her scrunched-up bed. I've never been successful getting dogs to use ramps either. Whenever the vet says "Don't let them jump up for the next week," I believe they are describing an ideal state which they know it's not possible to achieve, but they feel bound to say it anyway.
Posted by: Tonya Allen | December 21, 2013 at 03:33 PM
I love this! Darla is the epitome of the saying "it's a dogs life". I'm thinking that Widget has competition in the "who can make the minions do more" category. She sure looks comfy and cozy in her bed...I wish I had someone to take care of me as well as you take care of all your RDF sweeties :)
Posted by: Ann | December 21, 2013 at 02:27 AM
I noticed the step/ramp as soon as I saw the picture. How you do what you do for so many animals is so admirable. I think I understand the love and commitment you have as I share that with my dogs, but to multiply that by 50 or so is mind boggling!! I'm so glad to have found you and to follow along with all that you do.
Posted by: Lynn (in Louisiana) | December 20, 2013 at 09:20 PM
She looks for comfortable and cozy! She's at the right FIVE STAR hotel!!!
Posted by: Shirley * James/Portland, OR | December 20, 2013 at 08:50 PM
Hilarious post - and I'm for you all having a book put together - you'd raise tons for the Farm! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from Washington State - God bless you and keep you safe, warm, and with enough bedding to go around!
Posted by: Linda Murphy | December 20, 2013 at 08:47 PM
I have learned to make a bed with small and medium dogs in it... but the big dogs are a little tougher to work with, LOL.
Posted by: patty c | December 20, 2013 at 08:36 PM
Darla is probably wanting breakfast in bed. Ya know, like doggy cereal while she watches cartoons. Yeah, she needs a tv too!
Posted by: Penny | December 20, 2013 at 05:58 PM
I laugh as soon as I look at the picture posted even before I read the comedic story behind the picture. It would be nice if someone could work with you to publish a book of these blogs. I, for one, would definitely purchase at least one.
Posted by: Kathy Hertzel | December 20, 2013 at 03:24 PM
So good to see Darla relaxing on "her" bed! Hope she is doing well.
Wishing all of you at RDF a Very Merry Christmas and a joyous 2014!
Posted by: Pamela Payne | December 20, 2013 at 03:03 PM
Good to know you and Alayne learn quickly. Darla will have you two trained in no time!
Posted by: Mary H. | December 20, 2013 at 01:35 PM
What a perfect picture of cozy. Seeing sweet Darla so content in HER room is a gift to us all. Stay warm!
Posted by: Margaret | December 20, 2013 at 01:11 PM
I think waiting for housekeeping is just the ticket as you look so comfy!! I got a ramp for my little dog and I had to do the same thing to get her to use it. Even to the point of putting her front legs on the first step. She acted like this is so humiliating please don't make me to do this!! Now she uses it all the time, at least for going up anyway!!
Happy Holidays!!!
Posted by: Laura, Levi & Timmy | December 20, 2013 at 11:47 AM