Prince Ralphie

Now this was just downright pathetic. Don't forward this to the dog-whisperer.

Wednesday night I had a homeschool meeting at my house. I have not had many of these since Ralphie joined our family. Sweet, gentle Ralphie, whose biggest nemisis is his high strung-ed-ness around strangers.

Doorbell rang. Ralphie barked.

Doorbell rang. Ralphie barked.

Doorbell rang. Ralphie barked.

You get the idea.

I had warned the boys they would have to do dog control. When the second baby showed up, I knew now was time. Ralphie was exiled to the upstairs with the boys.

About 3 hours later, he was let down. The dog was bonkers.

The boys said he had whined, pined and been completely unstrung the whole time. For periods he would bash his head against the door trying to get down to us.

Finally when I went up looking for toys for one of the little ones, he escaped, ran down the stairs and barked furiosly at everyone, making babies cry.

Back upstairs.

Finally about midnight, when the house was empty, except for his 'Regular Pack', he was still nuts. He was racing the house, always near me, would not settle down. Finally he landed on the ottoman in front of the fireplace, still looking crazed.

All four of us sat around him trying to figure out what to do. We were tired.
We laughed at how silly we must look.. all sleepy eyed, watching the dumb dog, not knowing what to do.

Ralphie was bonkers. He would not sleep, this we knew.

So as Prince Ralphie held court, we decided what to do. He could start out with me in my bed (he usually sleeps up with the boys). Though even with me (the favorite human to both dogs) he took forever to settle down. It was a rough night.

We had some nice time thinking about theories.. the best one is that is brain is simple. (That we have known for a long time.) We also have a fairly quiet house. And his world was invaded.

Well, Prince Ralphie, your world has now changed! Get used to it!