I have a new baby and a new dog. Neither were really my idea, but here I am with two new dependent and intellectually challenged creatures for which I am to some degree responsible. I’ll admit my timing is probably a little off, having two new additions so close together. In spite of it all, I’ve been trying to take life in stride and make the best of things, that is, until today.
Today, my wife and older kids got in the holiday spirit and spent several hours making Christmas cookies. As I haven’t the ability to witness patiently children ‘helping in the kitchen,’ I wasn’t home when all this baking frenzy occurred; I tend to remove myself from the scene for everyone’s benefit. Besides, it is amazingly satisfying to come into a freshly cleaned kitchen, shiny kids, and fresh baked cookies without having to see all the mess that happened in the middle. Well, this time, when I sensed it was safe, I sauntered into the kitchen to survey the newly baked delectables as well as the damage left in the wake of kids in the kitchen. This time, though, I was pleasantly surprised: everything was in order, the kids were quietly at play, and the scent of freshly baked cookies filled the air. However, there was something oddly absent, and it was an essential ingredient, the essential ingredient. Where were the cookies? On the cooling rack, were four golden brown sugar cookies. But only four? All that work for only four cookies seemed quite puzzling. After I left the kitchen, I met my wife in the living room, where she blankly stated that they had baked nearly three dozen cookies, and the dog had thoughtfully left us four.
Apparently, the dog considered all the holiday cheer and industry were for his benefit. Why not spread peace on earth and good will to all…dogs? For one, they often come to dinner early and uninvited. In this instance, it was dessert, but the point is the same. The clueless beast considered them doggie treats disguised as Christmas cookies. “What a plan,” thought the beast. “Such thoughtful owners I have and leaving them right here on the kitchen counter for me to snack them at will. I love the holidays!”
Well, the dog is presently in the dog house, but with some time he’ll be released for a repeat performance. Little does he realize that if he doesn’t learn some table manners quickly, he’ll find his days of catching scraps from our table numbered. As for the other new addition, he is a certain keeper; lucky for us, with some time and attention, he’ll most likely learn good manners, exceedingly better than the dog’s.
