Friday, June 1, 2012

Cuddle-bunnies and night-time routines...

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
Caryl here...
 The "Sweet Hooligan" is turning into such a cuddle-bunny!

With the Boss away, I've allowed him to snuggle with me...on the bed, on the couch, on the floor...  He just relaxes into me - all 40kgs of him.  How adorable, how comfortable, just like a baby.  Geesh, I love this dog!

If he wants to go out during the night, he comes to my bedside with something soft in this mouth and snorts gently.  In contrast, he bangs his tail loudly against the mattress.  There is no way one can sleep through such a disturbance.  If I try to ignore him, he puts his paws up on the side of the bed and almost tips me over - snorting even louder through his soft toy.

"Okay Toby," I respond, rub my eyes and reach for my sheepskin slippers. There is a flurry of response from the other two dogs in the corner.

 It's getting really cold during the night now, so I grab a loose blanket, wrap myself up (like a "blanket lady") and switch the house-alarm off.  The dogs are at my heels as I walk down the passage towards the security door.  By this stage, they're wide-awake and desperate.  King Toffee is doing his happy-dance as Aunt Tam sidles down the passage behind us all. Once I've unlocked the security gate, it becomes a mad dash to see who can get to the sliding door first.  In empathy, even I breathe a sigh of relief as they explode outside into the cold winter air in search of their personal 'spots'.

Toby makes his way straight to the grass below the steps and settles into a very long squat.  
(At times like this the urgency of urination doesn't allow the idea of lifting his leg to even enter his brain)  It's so laughable, I'm reduced to giggles, despite being half asleep.  

King Toffee disappears, although I usually discover in the morning that he was reluctant to get his paws wet and has decided to do his business on the edge of the steps.

Aunt Tam thinks it's Christmas (despite it being icy cold and 3am).  She settles onto the grass to lie down and watch the world go by.  Eventually I have to pull the blanket tighter and approach her directly.  It becomes a battle of wits as I try to encourage her to end her vigil and allow me to return to my warm bed.

Sometimes she ignores me and waddles off to uncover some critters that have emerged in the moonlight.  It's then that I give up and lock her outside, knowing full well that I will have to respond to her moans in under an hour.

In the morning, all three dogs assemble at my beside again to urge me up and finally feed them.

All I can say is that I am so glad the Boss is home!
My duty is done!

Sending lotsaluv to all our friends around the world and wishing you all a wonderful, happy weekend with your animals.


10 comments:

My Dog Sam - Ruptured Disk said...

Hi Maxmom, sounds like a pretty happy family to me.

Millie and Walter said...

That last picture looks like pure bliss. I am anxiously waiting the UPS delivery man today as he will be bringing my Maxdog book from Amazon. I'm so glad I will finally get to read it.

Cindy

Frankie Furter and Ernie said...

OMD the cuddle and snuggle pics are grrrrreat.

How Sam Sees It said...

I'm always so thankful our boys sleep thru the night. Sam - who is nearing the grand age of ten - has never lifted his leg once!

Sam

Mary Lou said...

Caryl....
Aw, middle of the night adventures!! That sounds familiar!! Rose and I do that!! ;op
This Blog post was flawlessly written, as always, plus hilarious!! ;-D
Love, Raelyn.... And Rose, my BEAUTIFULLY UNIQUE "Mystery Dog"!!

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Oh Toby
I love the way you gently nuzzle your mom with a soft toy in your mouth. And I love that you never give in until you get what you want.
I can just imagine all 3 of you furries walking down the passage way to go outside. And I imagine every star in the sky twinkling so brite. I see you all including your mom standing in the starry nite all cuddled in her blanky.
love
tweedles

Two French Bulldogs said...

Ahhh how cute
Benny & Lily

The Thuglets said...

Absolute heaven! We love the last photo....awwww
Big Nose Pokes
The Thugletsx

Mrs. JP said...

If our dogs weren't so sweet, cute, and absolute loves it wouldn't be worth all the trouble they get away with. But they are adorable and have stolen our hearts. I love that part :)

Unknown said...

The last picture is so cute~
Well... at least he doesn't bark to wake you up! (Like I do, haha)