Charles here. Did I tell you that I am the only dog in the zoo that is allowed on the bed? I am super special (or is it because sometimes I am mistaken for a cat?).
The big dogs can’t even get on the bed anymore even if they wanted to because they can’t jump that high and their hips don’t work. Mom has steps for me to climb because I really can’t get up by myself either, but they are little steps for me and the kitties.
Mom sometimes lifts Sofie on the bed in a thunderstorm (all 55 lbs of her) because she gets tired of sleeping on the floor to keep Sofie and Louise calm (not sure it works for Sofie but it does help Mom). Lulu hates being on the bed so Mom doesn’t even try with her 65 lbs of solid muscle.
Me, I love the bed. I have been told that my little 17 lb self becomes the size of a St. Bernard at night. Who, little me?
These two are good together when they have a joint mission; like sitting at the top of any stairs and watching for intruders. Charles has begone to bark more than Sofie (if you can believe that?) to keep aliens from attacking the homefront. That includes every package, food delivery driver, or occasional friend of the family.
Sofie: Do you see anything there yet, Chuck?
Charles: Hey, Sof, we need to protect Mom from the aliens!! You with me?
Charles here: I do not understand why these humans want to just sit and watch the idiot box all evening and not give me tons of treats and play with me all night. I bark and give them hints, but they just don’t get it. I am bored. Entertain me, people!
Charles here. Nine and I shared a moment at the back door screen so we could watch the birds. At least he did not try to kill me like Noel would. Have a wonderful Wednesday!
After the dogs have dinner (4:30 or 5 PM), Charles has decided that instead of waiting until later in the evening (7:30 or 8 PM), he wants his evening snack immediately. I have started calling it ‘Second Supper.’ He has become so insistent that he goes into his pen, which is where he eats because both he and Sofie are food aggressive and she will kill him, and starts to whine, yip, and fun around. I do my best to ignore him as long as I can, but if I am sitting in the living room, which is where his pen is, he will not stop. For some reason on this night, he actually went in his pen and was waiting patiently and sitting quietly for about 5 minutes, until he could not take it anymore.
Sofie, being the anxious mess that she is, cannot deal with this frenetic energy when he starts to do the little dog run around and barking thing, and she freaks out if I don’t watch the energy level before ‘second super.’
Louise and Sofie have their snack in fun toys that they roll around the living room and down the hall. It takes them a long time and Louise especially has a super time. Charles on the other hand, won’t play with any snack toys. I don’t know if he is lazy, stupid, or just manipulative. He wants a mini ‘Busy Bone’ and he wants it easy to get to and not hidden in any toys or anything. Lately he has been eating them so fast, that I have to make him wait at least 10 minutes in his pen until the girls are done. He sure doesn’t like that. These little dogs are so demanding.
One of the best things about Charles is that he is generally a happy fellow. He can be pretty demanding for 15 lbs, but as long as he gets his way, he will smile and dance for you. Happy Black and White Sunday!
It is hard to believe that Charles rescued us 4 years ago. He has become such a central part of the pack. The top right picture is the day we brought him home and the bottom is Mr. Sexy now. ❤
