The devil made her do it

Stalking a squirrel--a quite moment
but it didn't last long

Sophie woke me at six-gosh-awful-thirty this morning, with the devil in her soul. I let her out, got her back inside after about five minutes, and went happily back to bed. Happy did not last long. She was having none of this stay-in-the-house business. She barked, she whined, she squeaked, she batted her empty food dish about noisily, and then banged her empty water dish on the floor (I got up, refilled it, but that did not quiet her). I spoke firmly, I yelled, I said things I’m glad she couldn’t understand. She responded by bouncing against the bed repeatedly. I swore I was going to teach her a lesson and stay in bed until she quieted down. She won once again.

When Jordan came out, I said, “Sophie’s on a tear this morning.”

“I know. The whole neighborhood knows.”

We finally let her out, figuring she might have to pee, but no, she was hunting squirrels. At first, she was quiet, running all over the yard, but then she began yipping. And I began worrying. Running is in her blood—part border collie—and it’s great for her to get the exercise, but the last time she spent an entire morning running, she tore the pads on her feet and was in miserable pain. It was almost eleven in the morning before Jordan got her inside and only then on a leash.

All this is funny in the re-telling, but it has a serious side. She gets into a manic phase. Once she’s in this mood (it doesn’t happen often) and outside, no amount of my calling, offering cheese, anything will get her attention. And being bound to a walker, I can’t go out and chase her. She doesn’t, as I hoped she would, wear out. And I am powerless.

This afternoon, she was subdued, slept a lot, no sign of limping, etc. Reminded me of the down phase the manic/depressives experience, but it was only temporary. By gosh, when I let her out about four, she went right back to it. I am leery but will let her out about ten this evening, hoping the squirrels are all abed for the night. Can I explain to this darling dog that she is ten years old and should be settling down? She won’t care.

The rest of my day was definitely on the downside. Some odds and ends at my desk—why do they take so much time? A good long nap, grateful that Sophie also slept. My friend Mary Volcansek came for happy hour tonight and at her insistence brought the snacks—wonderful smoky Gouda and an artichoke dip that I ate too much of. We had a good, pre-Christmas visit. After she left, I snuck in a second brief  nap, something I rarely do, and so tonight finds me at my computer, once again doing odds and ends. A happy hour cancelled, Poobah business, book review business, and a bit of Christmas stuff. I need chocolate!

Sweet dreams, everyone.