Summer Dog Days

This is Vegas - the original rescue dog on the deck of a small cottage on a lake in Washington. My working vacation has begun. The work consists of talking on a phone and supporting a software system of a large manufacturing firm. It is never ending and often requires weird hours. Vegas' work consists of waiting patiently for my work to end so that she can go swimming and chase a tennis ball. Her work is much more difficult than mine because it involves patience. Like Vegas, I am extremely patient, until I am not. Vegas begins: "Bark!" It's time to go swimming!! I ignore. Like a dutiful parent, if you acknowledge the behavior, you know you are rewarding it. You must show the dog that you are in charge. Vegas continues: "Bark!! Bark!!" Louder, with more insistence. I say firmly, with love, "Vegas, no. Sit. I'm not done working." BARK BARK BARK BARK!!! I DON'T CARE!!! IT'S TIME TO GO SWIMMING!!! I can't ignore. I give in to quiet the dog. I show her clearly who is in charge. The rescue dogs are here to remind me that there is a lake to be discovered, woods to be walked and naps to be taken, one paw print at a time.