Spark and Zoe (Left to right)
Weekends are usually happy times for our dogs, they look forward to seeing their brothers who come home for the weekend. At least one of them comes back to spend some time at home if not both. Last week both the boys were busy, the older one was at a conference in another city and the younger busy with some music festival. The dogs have an inbuilt timer it seems, they know its the weekend, don't ask me how, they just know. Both were waiting eagerly for me to make the announcement - 'brother is coming home'.
There was a sudden change of plan and Mark my younger son decided that he needed to collect his guitar and cables from home and came to pick them up. Sadly he had to leave immediately. It was after I announced to the brats (read doggies) that brother was coming home my son told me that he had to leave in a couple of hours. What a disappointment for the little ones!
The change that happens the moment the announcement is made is amazing. Spark and Zoe usually mope around, sulk or sleep when hubs and I are busy doing our own thing. When the announcement comes they suddenly become all ears. They are alert and wait to hear the sound of a motorbike or a car. Their eyes are fixed to the door as they wait eagerly for one of them to show up.
Their alertness is amazing, its hard to get them to focus on anything else until their brother arrives. No not even a ball or a squeaky toy can distract them. They mean business and have no time to fool around. Treats too don't have any effect on them when their expect one of their brothers to come home. In the above image their eyes are fixed on the door after my announcement.
This is spark listening to the announcement. I usually have to give the announcement 10-15 minutes before the boys come home. Zoe loses her cool and whines loudly if it takes any longer than 15 minutes. Patience isn't her kind of thing. Spark on the other hand keeps look at me to keep assuring him that brother is coming for sure.
Excitement is building up
There are times when they get the message even without us having to make the announcement. The change in our routine, the extra cooking or changing of bed covers in the boys rooms is enough to make them alert. They follow us around excitedly waiting for us to utter the magic words - 'Brother is coming'.
Spark is the first to react, Zoe usually follows suit. Spark takes position and Zoe cautiously follows him, its as if she doesn't want to be disappointed. She is more sure when the announcement is made.
The expression on Sparks face when he thinks I'll be making the announcement is hilarious. He rolls on the floor and messes his hair up so I would brush him up and get him ready for his brother's arrival. These animals are really smart, they know that they need to be well groomed when guest come home.
Mommy what's taking them so long?
Zoe doesn't care too much about grooming, for the most part she remains neat with her once a day brushing and grooming routine. All she wants is for her brother/s to arrive ASAP. Waiting isn't her kind of thing. She grunts, growls and whines as time passes by. If it takes anything more than an hour she tries to nibble on my toes, as if she wants to get back at me for fibbing to her.
The little guy and gal were so happy to see their brother this Saturday evening, but were so disappointed that he rushed back to the university. The whole of Sunday they waited for the announcement to come and as if by magic their older brother would appear at the door, but nothing happened.
This is zoe, depressed.
They went on a hunger strike and refused to eat food the whole of Sunday. They were back to normal today, now they will wait for the end of the week to see their brother/s. Zoe loves to talk to her brothers on the phone, she usually yells her head off at them if she is angry. Either way she is happy to hear them call her name and say the nicest things to her just before bedtime.
Spark doesn't get the idea of a phone call, its real face time or nothing. Virtual calls have no meaning for him. He wants to see the real person and play with the boys.
On certain weekends we pick up their clothes for laundering them or they send it through local pick up and drop services. The dogs get so annoyed that the boys scent is in the house but they are not there in flesh and blood. Zoe usually sleeps on their bags and tries to make the best of the smell that is hanging there. Sparks doesn't like to fool himself with make dos. He is the here and now dog.
Spark not so happy either
I am not sure if you can relate to this story but if you have similar experiences please do share them with me in the comment section.