For entertainment, after the socks were hidden, I'd chase a ball or stick and I caught them mid-air, but only when I felt like it. Other times I would stare incredulously at the human throwing the ball or stick over and over again, oblivious to the fact that I was obviously not playing their game. As mentioned previously, they are rather dim. I love walking the trails and splashing in the creek. Rarely do I condescend to swim and then only in salt water as I am buoyant and can thus keep my head above water. I did chase squirrels and cats on command because my human boy thought it was funny. Barking accompanied the chase. This game infuriated the neighbours who apparently did not appreciate barking, even my bell-toned bark. My humans stopped that game. However, I still chased the squirrels, cats or whatever caught my interest. If my owners spied a creature before I did, they'd spell it out and then take me indoors. Well, I soon learned to spell and beat them at their own game.
I also developed the skill of opening gates and doors but, of course, seldom employed the knack lest the adults catch on that it wasn't one of them that inadvertently left the door or gate ajar.
My delusional family thought I needed a companion. Why would I want competition?! Three years ago, they adopted a rescue dog, a small California girl named MeiLing, my female human’s favourite girl’s name. I thought Lulubella was the favourite name. My feelings were deeply hurt. MeiLing was not in great shape when she invaded our home, but she was and is rather sweet. She and I get along wonderfully. She is so easy to lead astray and quickly learned to love the chase game. Together we discovered the thrill of the deer hunt. Just the other day, I opened the little side door so MeiLing and I could escape to chase the deer lounging on the neighbour’s lawn. It was wonderful exercise! My female human had to scour the neighbourhood, including the bordering hiking trail, in search of us. She was definitely not pleased by the time she found/captured us. When she got us home, she tied me to a tree and MeiLing to the post that holds up the deck - for an hour or so as a meaningful consequence. Neither MeiLing nor I cared about being tied up as we were tired after our run and needed the rest.
My owner knows that if she catches my eye when giving an order, I will obey.
Sometimes, I refuse to look at her, especially after she ruined the deer-chasing exploit. Ond day our female called us to come, MeiLing, being a good little girl, obeyed and subsequently was leashed for walkies. I, on the other hand, raised my beautiful haughty head and walked away. That'll serve them right!! I thought. The human, the cold-hearted woman, loudly commented that a poodle hair jacket would be nice, especially a strawberry blonde one. MeiLing and the female then went off quite happily without me. I felt crushed.
