See that little face, hiding behind the Bleeding Hearts? He wants you to think he loves those flowers. It's not true. He's an opportunist and what he really has his eye on are two tulips, still folded in their greenery, almost ready to burst into bloom. Unfortunately, they will never see the light of day.
Late yesterday, after spending a good portion of the day defending the tulips from Buddy's adoration, like a gourmand feasting his eyes on a beautifully presented entree, we went into the house for the evening. Not long after, Buddy decided he needed to go out. It was raining pretty hard, so I thought, 'He must really have to go.' I let him out, I thought to do his bizzness, and then watched from the porch as he made a beeline for the garden. Before I even had time to react, he'd latched onto the two tulips he'd had his eye on all day and down the hatch they went. As I walked emphatically toward him, berating him en route, he laid down in the dark earth, happy and fulfilled.
By the time I got to him, the game was on. Round and round the mulberry bush Mama chased the puppy. He hid behind bushes, running from one to another, jumping across the flower beds with new-found agility, managing to stay just out of reach. We covered a lot of territory in a short time. This went on for a couple of minutes or so before I finally gave up and walked back to the house, letting him know Mama was not happy. It went right over his happy head. Within seconds he was running back to where I waited on the porch, ears flapping, big tulip-eating grin on his face, as if to say, "Wasn't that a fun game, Ma?"
My temporary irritation melted into affection that cannot be denied. I love him, and that's that. More than tulips, more than anything in my garden. I know, I know, I may have to resort to tough love at some point. But, I'm not there ... yet.
"Tulips? I don't know anything about any tulips. Oh, look, there's a bird!"
Hello Teresa:
ReplyDeleteWe are really surprised that your puppy was attracted to the Tulips. This is quite unusual in our experience since animals, we have always found, tend to shy away from anything harmful.
And, what a 'butter would not melt in the mouth'look he gives, absolutely adorable. If he were ours, and we sincerely wish that he were, we should give him free rein to commit even murder most possibly.
Your Dicentra, which is looking wonderful, seems to have escaped Puppy's attention. Enjoy it whilst it lasts!
awww...Buddy is just too cute! He's adorable. I can only imagine how much you love him. I love my babies soooo much. My girl is simply spoiled rotten...but who cares? I think that simply the feel of them is so soothing. ...and when they give you kisses, we melt.
ReplyDeleteFLOWER POWER!!
ReplyDeleteLance and Jane, His thing is larceny, apparently, although I think he quite probably believes the whole world belongs to him. I've decided against incarceration, as a friend has suggested a "trolley," a pulley with long wire rope and chain. I will set up one in the front yard and one in the back. We shall see... He does have a most adorable face and he's the sweetest dog that ever existed, of course.
ReplyDeleteLynn, I love holding him and shall do so for as long as I'm able. He's the best. His kisses usually are in the morning and consist of licks on my left jawline and ear. I've always been a neck and ear kinda girl... :)
Tony, Yes, I'm afraid I will be raising a rather free spirit, a little hippie in golden fur.
My daughter's puppy does the exact same thing! He has managed to dig up (more than once) some of her wonderful bulbs. I always thought that they were dangerous too but he doesn't seem to be any worse for the wear. Buddy Boy is adorable!
ReplyDeleteI know lots of wild creatures (like deer) that just love tulip flowers. They must taste good, or something. Buddy is just adorable and irresistible, that's for sure!
ReplyDeleteSo endearing they are in our hearts, the young years bring frustration, but I can attest the later years more than make up for it all; the mayhem, the childishness, the bedlam such a little price to pay for their companionship, love and devotion later on. Buddy is so much bigger I am amazed.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you. If the puppy is that happy about eating a couple of tulips, maybe they've done their job for this year.
ReplyDeleteHey Teri, Nice to hear from you. Puppies are a handful, and such fine little companions.
ReplyDeleteDJan, Thank you. I think so....
Linda, He's growing like a weed... Yes, the years will bring much joy, after the joy mixed with frustration. I wouldn't trade him for the world.
Nancy, He was so pleased, it's hard to deny him such an apparently tasty and tantalizing treat.
Triple yuks and more. Without question they must taste real good.
ReplyDeleteWOW he's grown, the little tulip nipper. If you place yourself in a dog's world, how do you not justify leaving nature only to be adored. Cody (for as old as she is) had taken over my choice flower garden space as hers. Why fight it? I let her have it and now she respects my other spots. We restrict their places inside and tell them where to go outside. No wonder they think humans are a little weird. :)
ReplyDeleteManzanita@Wannabuyaduck
He's adorable your little Buddy! You must have very tasty tulips. I've seen my sisters dog devour purple cone flowers...but that's Echinacea...and I think that might be an herbal remedy. My Maggie made paths right through my garden that I just gave in to...some of them are like tunnels...and she just loves to romp through them. Although I've never seen her eat my plants...she instead likes to flush in between the plants...usually with deadly results. This year I'm hoping to keep her away from my clematis vine...a place she loves to romp through in search of rabbits and chipmunks. It is after all Maggie's secret garden and it did take some getting used to....but I wouldn't have it any other way. Have fun with Buddy.
ReplyDeleteTom! I'm glad it gave you some yuks. I cannot blame him for wanting to eat them.They did look pretty tasty.
ReplyDeleteManazanita, I'm so glad you wrote this. I actually agree. Completely. I've made the decision to lighten up and let nature be his domain, as long as he stays safe and sound. Why fight it? Good question.
Karena, First Manzi's encouragement and now yours. That's great! I like it. Sometimes we just have to let it be what it is, and who they are. That's more important, anyway. Thank you so much for sharing your own experiences. It's very encouraging right now. So nice to hear from you.
ReplyDeleteI apologize for previously shortening your name to Karen... :(
What a sweetie-pie he is!! I know what you mean...you just want to swat the little rascals but then they look at you with those big eyes and, well...what do you do? I can't believe he likes to eat tulips! He's a darling, for sure.
ReplyDeleteHi Cheryl, He has learned to use those eyes very effectively....
ReplyDeleteOh, look at that face!!! This jury would never convict him!
ReplyDeleteBB, And may even change the "laws" for him...
ReplyDeleteLOL ~ oh I'm sorry ~ I shouldn't be laughing at naughty pup ~ but gosh darn he's so cute how can you not forgive him! The unconditional love we get from our four-legged friends out does all the wrong doings they do ~ right? ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Evening Teresa!
xo Catherine
Cat, It's all very worth it, although not always seen in the "heat" of the moment. They are such fine little beings. Thanks. I hope you have a great day!
ReplyDelete