“Three Wise Dogs” baring gifts at Mark’s Christmas
One must understand that my Dad was an animal lover all his life. We had our share of pets for some 15 years . By the time I was born, being the the 7th child, Mom would put her foot down and it was to be no more. Mark Christopher would then be lacking pet animal skills for most of his life and not have much interest.
I’m a husband and a father in an all-female household (Karen, Jessie and Jamie). Having daughters and wife Karen who was raised in the country, it was just a matter of time that “pets” would find their place in my life. We have two cats named Frankie and Maggie (both female). Learning how cats have independence and do their own thing was so perfect for a home in the big city. I even handle the kitty litter duty as I have mastered a system of my own. I’m known for major arsenal of cleaning tools (steam cleaners, spot removal systems, deodorizers) for any pet accidents around the home.
We host Christmas each year for extended family. This seemed to be the season of dog sitting needs among family and neighbors. Meaning three wise dogs (one small animal with age issues from next door neighbors who are on vacation, and two from the country belonging to extended family, one of them being a full grown Lab) would be with us Christmas Day at Mark’s house. Plans were then to kennel the dogs in our two car garage. I would also relocate the the two cats upstairs in the master bedroom (Kitty Litter Box too!) just to be safe.
It was just a matter of time and the family in celebration mode that the three dogs would find themselves in the house. Two of which found cuddly places to sleep for the night in the living room. Comments of smelly odors were shared and dirt prints in the carpet were seen. I gave in, as this was all about family, and yes, that too includes the dogs. I should mention “A Christmas Story” is on our television with its 24hrs broadcast. Darren McGavin as the Dad of Ralphie (The bee bee gun kid) , dealing with neighbors dogs (The Bumpass’s’) who eventually get in the house and grab the Turkey?
I would find the first “pet accident” on Friday evening in our house. First thought was the neighbor’s dog that Jessie was hired to watch for the Holidays while house sitting for them. “Bob” who is a small wiener dog (known for accidents) was then returned home. The next morning comes a second “carpet splash” and from the size of it my guess was “Rucca The Lab”. He was returned to his kennel in the garage but at times would find his way back in the house. Two more “pet incidents” later in the day and finally I catch that it would be ‘Muffy”, a small, cuddly, full of hair doggy. Age was her issue and often known for a whimper when she needs a moment outside, no one could hear the audio signal because of all the family talking and laughing and celebrating.
I was putting all my cleaning arsenal to work during Christmas. All the while helping Karen with cooking and setup and hosting duty. It was on the 5th incident I would lose it and explode in disgust. I could not help but question the family of these dogs and why there was such lack of awareness to the dogs needs of “relief”.
I was suddenly the bad guy and looked upon as the doom of a perfect family Christmas. I am so amazed in today’s high tech world that something this simple and something that is repeated in homes around the world we have not found a fix to the nightmare of “pet accidents” in the home for a guy like me.
I would give myself a time out for several hours. Then through discussions of daughter Jessie and my wife Karen I would learn that this was such a small inconvenience in our Christmas Day event. How the whole holiday could have been much worse. Two thirds of the family attending would have stayed home unless we accepted the dogs. This part of the family is a favorite too, as they do most of the cooking of the wonderful foods we enjoy each year.
I apologized to all involved for my blowup and Christmas fun and celebration was saved and much was learned. Now I seem to have two cats upset with my operations.