Harley and Nikki
Sedona AZ (July 31, 2012) – Harley McGuire, SedonaEye.com Paws Up Star Columnist writes about his experience with an unexpected house guest:
Alas and alack. Woe is me. How could such a thing happen?
The afternoon when Nikki, and two of her family members, stopped by for a visit I should have sniffed that skunk hanging around our front yard. But, oh no, I just sat stiffly on my living room couch and snapped at this little white critter – called something like a “malted-tease” – when it came too near. However, after a short time, they all left and I was hoping never to return.
Not so.
It was just a few days later when one afternoon here they came again – though this time fully armed with the female canine’s bed, bowl, water dish, food and treats. It became quite apparent that she, Nikki, was moving into my house.
What? How could this be happening? Hey my buddies out there, if ever I needed advice it was at that point in time and continuing for the following two weeks! What would y’all have done?
Nikki
For a while I remained stunned as this lively little thing tore throughout the house. She never did quite understand how to get outside (via the doggie door) but blasting back inside became momentous and frequent occasions.
Chow time that first night was tense for everyone including “Mother the Cause.” Nikki wouldn’t eat much but that didn’t spoil my appetite as long as she stayed away from my dish. Mom rewarded us with special treats for not causing a ruckus (mostly me) and I must say the crunchy ones in the box that came with Nikki were tasty — and with my new jaw I accomplished some serious chomping.
Things were looking up.
Oops, then came bedtime.
Well, of all the nerve. Nikki ran up my bed stairs — and curled up right next to my mother . . . at least I thought she was but as the clock ticked away that, too, was looking doubtful. Honest, it was as if the world had stopped spinning and left my head to do the job.
Now let’s face it. I’m a pretty broad minded little guy – not getting real upset and all when Inoch kissed my mother out in public at the grocery store. But now this newly encouraged twist of fate was becoming way over the top.
Next few days, Nikki commenced to play with my toys which was sort of OK as long as she didn’t touch Dickie-Ducky, Pink Energizer Bunny, or Mr. Pumpkin.
The Flea, Carrot Top, or Floppy Monkey she was allowed – as long as Mom threw one of my favorites for me at the same time she entertained Nikki, our new arrival.
Mom kept reminding me that Nikki was only going to be here for a few more days. Yeh, sure, how many days are “a few?” But ya know what? Even though Mom kept the collar on her (so the jingling tags let us know where she was) all of the sudden I’m sort of keeping my eyes and ears tuned in as well so as to know just what this little ball of fluff was up to.
By now in the mornings when Mom let us out of the bedroom we would race to the doggie door, neck and neck, tend to our business, and then sit side by side in the kitchen for our morning treats . . . yummy! Yikes, is this so bad after all?
We both were brushed at least every other day whether we needed it or not (which we did). Nikki tried a few times to get me to play “chase” around the house. Yep, I was tempted but, after all, I’m a guy – and if she outraced me how could I live that down? It’s bad enough that a girl-doggie has invaded my space . . . but to have her beat me in a competition? Never!
Finally the morning arrived when Mom said: “Today is the day that Nikki’s family is due back from their vacation and so she will be going home.”
Home? And I thought that’s where she was because by now it seemed like she’d been here forever. . . and this is where she belongs.
That afternoon when Mom packed up her things, put them in the trunk, and placed both of us on the back seat of the car, it was with wonderment that I was included. What was going on? Was she going to give me away to Nikki’s family?
Not so. She explained that, after we left Nikki at her house, just the two of us would go over to one of my favorite parks (there are only two) and have some special “just for us” time together. Keen! Life was back to normal.
Or so I thought until dinnertime that evening.
Nikki and I weren’t standing side by side chowing down. Then came morning and there was no Nikki to race with down the hallway to the doggie door or follow me back in to stand in line for our morning treats.
It’s awful. I miss her. I want her back. What shall I do? . . .
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Harley, you should have warmed up sooner it would have been a lot more fun. Even though we love each other we hate each other and mom shakes her finger when we start going at it. There is no blood but, in season, lots of fir.
We are sorry for your loss, next time get up close and personal a little sooner. There is always a let down after the fun. But the let-down rewards sweet?????
Aren’t we smart for cats??????
Miss you, love you always – Chip’n Dale
Dear Harley,
I don’t think you will have to “do” anything. You have proven yourself to be a wonderful house companion to this adorable Maltese and I bet Nikki’s parents will allow her to stay at your house the next time they take a trip. So, just be patient and if you’re lucky, maybe you’ll have some play dates with her and you can meet her in the doggy park. Perhaps this will be the beginning of a blossoming romance in the future. You already make a really cute couple!
Hey Harley, maybe Mom should think about getting another “playmate” for you on a permanent basis. I have a brother, Fabian & sister, Nikki (although not blood relatives) and we have a lots of fun chasing & playing with out toys. Fabian is getting old (13) and much smaller so he doesn’t play as much, but we do give him lots of entertainment watching us.
Hi Harley,
Actually, I think she is pretty cute and had I known she was stayin down the street from me, I might have given you a little run for your money with trying to win her heart.
But you truly were a gentleman and handled the situation in a manly way. Maybe someday she’ll invite you over to her place, kind of like a date.
If there is a next time let me know if you need any help and I’ll be there in a flash. Does she have a sister?
Harley McGuire, it sounds as if what began as a traumatic time for you turned into an enjoyable adventure. Glad you and Nikki became friends.
Hi Harley, I know that you are a gentleman who can put up with a lot – including me. You behaved admirably in the face of a disturbing addition to your life. It’s great that you and Nikki became such friends. I think you won’t be missing her for long…..after the fun time she had, she’s bound to return soon for another visit.
TO: Chip’N Dale; Bonnie & Clyde; Mojo, Nikki & Fabian; Skipper; Martha; and Hunter:
Thank y’all for being so caring and offering great suggestions for overcoming my most recent trauma.
I’m happy to report that all is going very well. I had a total of three trips to my two parks this past week which helped take my mind off Nikki. Yet, in the morning and at dinner time I still can’t help looking around to make certain she is really gone. Otherwise, life is good!
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire
cute story that’s nice to read (we’re turtles) & like pet stories
What a beauty that Nikki is!!!! all the girls on my block look like cats!!!!
Hey Harley!!
Why doesn’t the Sedona Humane Society contact the Freedom Service dogs in Colorado and help rescue our 4 legged friends waiting in our shelters to be adopted by humans and instead end up being euthanized? My dad’s emails are not getting answered, no one seems to care? I’m trying to save some lives.
http://www.freedomservicedogs.org/
Looking forward. The first donation from our Spirit of ’76 campaign goes to Freedom Service Dogs in Colorado. FSD rescues all of their dogs from animal shelters, and they’ll be training 2 Dog Bless You service dogs!
Inoch
Hey there over at the Paw Prints Sedona Humane Society: Why are you not answering the e-mails from Inoch’s daddy?
Lovingly,
Harley McGuire
Dear Harley McGuire:
Service Dogs does an awesome job, but they usually take on animals they know will work for the program and generally they pull the animals within their surrounding area. Although there are times when our kennel gets so full, we still haven’t had to put an animal down for lack of space. In fact, we are getting ready to start a dog enrichment program for our shelter dogs. Our staff and volunteers are excited about this. The purpose of this program is to increase our adoptions even more. Starr Ladehoff will be doing the program. I have known Starr for years and am looking forward to her work.
Warmest regards,
Birgitte “B” Skielvig, Executive Director
Paw Prints, Humane Society of Sedona, Inc.