Dogged Determination
Jerry, our neighbor across the street is a good friend. A couple of weeks ago we noticed our lawn service had stopped mowing, without even the decency of notifying us about it. Our grass was growing out of control, and “going to the dogs.” The lawn appeared as if the house was deserted and my husband and I were quite upset. With no luck, after an extensive search to find a replacement, I tactfully approached Jerry to inquire if he would take over the job, since he is handy with green growing things.
Jerry agreed! We shook hands and off he went to get his riding lawn mower. What a relief! Within an hour, our property was once again neat and tidy thanks to his excellent work and tender loving lawn care.
Besides having green thumbs, Jerry and his wife are passionate dog lovers. A while ago, they adopted an abandoned little dog, saving his life. His name is Buddy and he follows Jerry everywhere, trotting close to his side, unless something of interest sparks his eye. . . but he does listen to Jerry, and returns quickly, I gotta say.
Buddy
As Jerry takes Buddy with him almost everywhere he goes, when Jerry comes over to mow our lawn, Buddy is right there with him, his canine “supervisor”, making certain that doesn’t miss a blade of grass that needs cutting.
While I was eating lunch yesterday, I spied Jerry mowing our lawn. I picked up half my sandwich and walked out the door to give Jerry his check for mowing. As Jerry paused to accept the check, in a flash, without any warning, Buddy grabbed the sandwich out of my hand with incredible skill and dogged determination. I stood with my mouth agape in disbelief that Jerry's "partner" had purloined my lunch. I wish you could have seen the expression on my face!
Jerry and I laughed 'til our sides hurt, while Buddy, wearing an innocent yet satisfied grin, sat a few feet away, licking his lips.
After considering the entire situation however, I suspect, Buddy was celebrating "Bring Your Human to Work Day" and had only collected his due payment for his supervisory skill.
The last thing I heard Jerry say as he crossed the street back to his house was, "Baloney isn't good for you, anyway." While our lawn was beautiful, I was still hungry!
Do your pets “grab a bite” and run? Leave a comment and tell us all about it.
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Comments (5)
J.A. Morrison October 24, 2008 9:21 AM
I am happy to say that after working with the cats they do not beg or take anything from anyone. They know if they are good they get treats after the dishes a done. The goats and sheep are the same. When tempted a sharp "Leave It!" stops them dead in their tracks. I do however have to carefully watch them if a can of soda pop is around. They really prefer bottles of orange, cherry or cola. They will deftly pick them up by the neck or the rim, tip their heads up and drain the container and then set the container back where it was. If you are not paying attention you start to think that you just forgot you finished your soda. The only tell tale signs are the stains on their muzzles and a satisfied look on their beautiful faces. LOL
Vicki October 24, 2008 9:45 AM
I wish I could have seen this in person. What a cute story. Any of my dogs would do that if given the chance. I thinnk they would take it our of my mouth if they could. LOL
Barb October 24, 2008 11:21 AM
I sure hope that Buddy was admonished for his theft. While we don't mind sharing with our dogs, stealing food is never allowed. That said, we do have to be careful not to leave reachable food unattended which isn't always easy when there's one that can easily reach the counter while standing on his hind legs.
Joanne October 24, 2008 11:52 AM
Haha great story! In our house it's the kitties that are the worst beggars - not the dogs. They get away with murder because they are soooo cute. The doggies have been taught to mind their manners so to speak but the kitties sit right on the table no matter how many times we put them on the floor. Of course we don't help the situation any because we reward their cuteness with little tiny treats - lol
Eating is always accompanied by at least four pairs of hungry eyes lol
christo October 25, 2008 4:31 PM
how hice that there are still wonderful neighbors that care about their neighbor's yard condition. Jerry sounds like the kind of guy I'd like to have as my neighbor. He and his wife like to work outdoors, are dog lovers and even talk to their neighbors, a trait not too common these days. Some people have all the luck :)
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