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February 05, 2008
Dr. Jeckyl & Mr. Clyde
I won't bore you with another Clyde post. Oh, who am I kidding? Of course I will! I'll try to be brief.
We got Clyde a gentle leader. It is the most fantastic invention since the Roomba or maybe the anal douche. Some people say it's cruel to use on dogs; I say it's the Baby Jesus rewarding me with presents.
He has been an absolute delight to walk. No tugging, no pulling, no yelling at him. You can hold his leash with two fingers and he won't pull.
It was so nice out on Sunday, Rob and I took him to the Circle. We got some burritos from Chip O'Tlay and sat by the fountain to enjoy the beauty of DC and people watch.
There I was, basking in the sun, enjoying the sights, with my cute mellow adopted dog resting comfortably by my side. Many dogs walked by. He noticed them but sat relaxed. I had no worries, cuz I had the gentle leader. I put his leash under my foot, as I ate my glorious, high-carb, high-fat, high-calorie burrito. MmmmMmmm. Color me tranquil.
Then a boxer dog walked by.
Without warning, Clyde yanked the leash from under my foot and did an Air Bud down the fountain steps and onto the other dog. I'm not exaggerating this. He was like Bjork on a photographer. It was surreal. I ran after him, still holding my glorious burrito in one hand. Luckily the owner of the other dog seemed quite trained in the field of dog attacks. He instantly grabbed Clyde from behind and pulled him off without incident. He told his dog to sit - which he did immediately. Must be nice. He handed the leash back to me; I apologized and he walked away like nothing ever happened.
So there I now was, stunned, in the middle of the circle, with everyone staring at me and my troubled dog. I felt like Britney's mom. "Hi, y'all!" So I did what any normal person would do -- I took a bite of my burrito.
I scolded Clyde and took him back up the fountain. Some college kid sitting next to us while gabbing on his cell phone, put his phone down and said in a stoner voice, "Dude, I know you're really pissed at your dog right now, but that was fucking awesome. So bad-ass."
No, it wasn't.
There are limitations to the gentle leader. Live and learn.
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On a completely separate topic, I'm off to New Hampshire tomorrow to spend time with Rob's father. He's in the final stage of his battle with brain cancer. He's much too young to be dealing with this. Such a wonderful, kind man and incredibly supportive and giving father. So please send some positive vibes and bearhugs up to Rob and his family.
Um, Happy Super Duper Tuesday!
Posted by durban bud at February 5, 2008 02:21 PM
Comments
Dude, that WAS awesome.
Posted by: cb at February 5, 2008 02:40 PM
Oh, the dog part... not the cancer part. The cancer part makes me sad. Good vibes being sent on that.
Posted by: cb at February 5, 2008 02:40 PM
Best dog post ever. I've known a person or two who could benefit from a gentle leader. Maybe someday that will happen.
Sending lots of positive energy to you, Rob and his family. Peace.
Posted by: Drew at February 5, 2008 04:14 PM
Bearhugs to all y'all, especially Rob and family, from Alafuckingbama :-) Lots of peace and love in there, too.
Posted by: Raybob at February 5, 2008 04:44 PM
Hi bro. I think Clyde needs to get laid...he has way too much tension for one canine. LOL Sorry he went ballistic like that. Geez. At least it ended well with no bloodshed. As for Rob's dad, so sorry to hear that. My love and best wishes are with him and his family at this time. Travel safe, hon. Big hugs from Michigan...the land of snow, and, um...snow.
Posted by: Rob at February 5, 2008 05:40 PM
Sorry to hear about Rob's Dad. Give Rob our best.
Posted by: dumbek at February 5, 2008 06:43 PM
Great story...it accomplished so much. Made me incredibly hungry. I LOVES me some burritoand am currently on a lean cuising regime. Made me snort Diet Coke thru my nose at the Brittany reference and then brought me back to reality. We will keep a good thought for the other half's Dad.
Posted by: Boomer at February 5, 2008 08:44 PM
I've used a gentle leader with my dog for about 6 years - my vet recommended it, and it IS the most fantastic invention!
*hugs* to Rob, his father and family. Cancer sucks.
Posted by: Paul at February 5, 2008 10:36 PM
I'm very sorry to hear about Rob's Dad. If you are in Boston, I'll take you to El Pelon (best burrito's in Boston)
Good luck with Clyde. As a former boxer owner, they are great dogs, right up to the point that they see another dog.
Posted by: Tony at February 6, 2008 09:31 AM
I am so sorry about Rob's dad. I am glad you are making the effort to go see him. Proud of you. Give Rob my best.
About Clyde... oh my gawd... I am so glad I have weiner dogs. Boudreaux is my bad ass dog. Unlike most Americans and their Daschunds, Boudreaux isn't obese. I can yank his little ass back real quick when he gets all barky with other dogs. I had to do that several times walking around the French Quarter with him.
Have a safe trip! :)
Posted by: brettcajun at February 6, 2008 11:23 AM
Sorry to hear about Rob's dad.
On the 19th it'll be one year since my dad passed away. I can imagine what Rob is going through. It's hard.
Posted by: no one in particular at February 6, 2008 02:07 PM
I finally have to make a comment. The parallels are uncanny. I have a Clyde and a Bonnie. (St. Bernard and big Poodle)
My Clyde exhibited the same behavior and he weighs 130 pounds. Then we learned he needed doggie socialization. We joined the obedience club and off we went to doggie kindergarten. After a few weeks he became much less aggressive towards other dogs. Your Clyde might benefit from dog school, too. Maybe. His maturity might make that more difficult.
Now his problem is humans. I'm OK with that. He keeps the stray people away from the house. But Bonnie, having been bread to be a hunting dog, has taught Clyde the joys of chasing. That's a new problem to work on.
Posted by: CodyBear at February 6, 2008 04:28 PM
stop talking and show some skin!!!!...please?
Posted by: dcfa at February 6, 2008 08:36 PM
Sending lots of good vibes to NH for you, Rob, and his family.
Posted by: Long Story Longer at February 7, 2008 12:12 AM
So sorry to hear about Rob's dad. It cdertainly doesn't help that he lost his Grandfather not long ago either. A hug for you...a huge hug for Rob and I'll send megapositive vibes eastward.
Posted by: rodger at February 7, 2008 11:50 PM
I lost my Dad after years of being his being sick last spring. I wasn't as close to him as Rob is to his Dad, but it was still devestating all around, for my Mom especially. My heart goes out to you guys.
Posted by: Dan at February 10, 2008 12:00 AM