In or Out?

We aren't just talking about belly buttons.  If you have children, I'm sure you say this all day, every day, multiple times per 20 minute increments.  Except I don't have children.  Well, I kinda do.  My dogs....and they understand the concept of "In or out?"  better than most children.  They know exactly what it means act accordingly, most of the time.

I have this exact discussion with my dogs every. single. day.  "In or out?"  It generally only pertains to being in the bedroom or the bathroom.  Every day when I go to take my shower, they both stand at the door and paw at it when it's shut.  I normally keep it open but since we have had company, it's not really appropriate for me to shower with said door open.  I open it and say the magic words "In or out?  Your choice but you can only make one."

Henry normally looks at me with a sense of understanding and without saying a word he gets his message across.  "I don't want to be in there but I'll be on the other side of the door.  I really just don't like being in there with Hannah, she bites my face, tugs on my ears and I really just don't like being pestered by her.  I'll just lay by the door with my paws underneath so you can see I'm still looking out for you just in case you fall or get attacked by something."  So he lays down waiting for me to shut the door so he can put one paw under.  It's sweet and loving.

Hannah does just the opposite.  "In, out, in, out, in out.  OH MY GOD MOM, WHAT SHOULD I DO?  I CAN'T HANDLE THE STRESS OF NOT BEING IN THERE BUT YOU NEVER LET ME ACTUALLY GET IN THE SHOWER WITH YOU SO THERE REALLY ISN'T A POINT!  WHY MUST YOU PUT ME ON THE SPOT LIKE THIS? MAAAAAAAAAAMMM"

Lately it's been "Wait, I know this.  I know the answer finally.  Mom, I got this.  I know things now because I'm older and wiser and stuff like that.  In, out, in, out, in, out, in, out BATHTUB!  Right?!  Bathtub is a choice?  It was on the list.  I'll just sit here.  It's okay.  Bathtub it is.  BATHTUB!  Final answer."

Today she found the "other dog I hide in the mirror" while she was exiting the bathtub.  She ran around barking and acting a fool with her hackles up, from room to room, howling.  Things finally settled and I was able to shower...but I forgot to shut the door so I had some shower guests...knocking ever item on the side of the tub down.  It gives new meaning to "Don't drop the soap,"  because picking up said soaps leads to a cold nose somewhere and it's just an awkward situation for all of us.

This is my life. This crazy chaos is mine and I love it.

Xoxo
Riley Writes