It’s not your imagination, it’s been a while
It's me, your ol' pal Alice, acting like no time has passed.
No one wants to hear my apologies and excuses for why I haven’t written in two months, right? I didn’t think so.
MOVING ON
Leo is settling in his new fur-ever (sorry) home. and I don’t know whether it’s increased confidence or a growing realization that he has more to lose — but for whatever reason, his personality has become increasingly spirited. By which I mean, he’s decided that anyone who is not us, be they person or animal, is to be murdered. Murdered! With his eensy lil’ fangs!
When he first arrived, he loved other dogs; he would strain to get near them and cry with anticipation, and then he’d gambol about with them and we’d be all “Thank god we finally have a dog who likes other dogs!” But then, gradually, that all changed. His affect went from “Yay! A dog!” to “BEHOLD, MINE ENEMY APPROACHETH”; he was still straining at his leash, but it was more to get at them then to have a good time.
Then one day he lunged at and bit a dog. I don’t want to be dramatic about it. Actually, he bit at the dog’s fur. It was such a big, fluffy dog that neither the dog nor the owner seemed to mind (or even notice). But we noticed, and we mind! So now we’re keeping our distance on walks, which has confused other dog owners who remember Leo as a friendly little dog instead of the killing beast he has become.
Even more nervous-making: He and Izzy the cat have become mortal enemies. Their mild to moderate mutual dislike has turned into all-out war. The cat has decreed the kitchen to be her territory; if he dares enter and she’s within striking distance, she goes ballistic. In her defense, Leo has declared his territory to be EVERYWHERE ELSE. If she happens to place a single paw into the living room or anywhere upstairs, he’ll go after her in a way that we find deeply concerning.
But there is hope! We’ve found a dog trainer who seems to have his number, and we’ve started using a crate, which he loves. (Truly, loves it. He loves his little sanctuary!) That alone has made a huge difference in his behavior (inside the house, at least). We have a game plan for Christmas, when my mom and Henry will be here, so that he doesn’t nip (murderously) at their heels. And we’re off to the pet store today to buy puzzle toys and the like, because according to the trainer he’s a smart one. Gifted, you might say. And I do.
LET’S SEE, WHAT ELSE
Oh, right, so it’s almost Christmas. We decided early on that this was going to be a low-key Christmas with “only a few” gifts, that we “wouldn’t go crazy” etc. Somewhere in the pre-holiday frenzy that idea got shoved aside and we found ourselves “going crazy” with “many gifts” but what the hell. As always, I have my hopes way up that this is going to be the BEST CHRISTMAS EVER. Our last two Christmases were decidedly on the bleak side, so if nothing else, this one will have to be an improvement? Question mark?
And hey, we now have a cozy-ass house that we’ve filled to the brim with so much goddamn holiday cheer you could puke. (Hopefully no one will puke.)
AND FINALLY
Thank you, truly, for reading this dang thing when and if I decided to publish! I hate end-of-the-year reflections — actually that’s untrue. I love them when other people do them. I hate the pressure to do them myself. Don’t make me look back on the year that was! It’s over; isn’t that enough? Also, acknowledging that 2023 is over means facing up to the fact that 2024 is hurtling toward us, which I do not want to do. Face up to it, that is. Time moves inexorably forward, sure, and our calendars are just inventions, but I don’t feel any particular excitement for the new year. Au contraire, I am filled with dread! But listen. Listen. I’m not a soothsayer, despite what everyone says. So don’t listen to me, I know nothing. I’m sure it will be fine, right? It’ll be fine.
I think I speak for most when I say that we're just glad you're here, no matter how much time has passed. Best of luck with Leo's new M.O...and yes...2024 will be just fine, right? RIGHT??!!!! Sigh.