Swedish Chocolate

I have a good friend who happens to live in Sweden.  On occasion, we send each other boxes in the mail.  When I get a package from him, it's an unusual event as the stuff in the box is for me and not the greyhounds.  The girls sniffed his latest box when I opened it and then became disinterested since it didn't contain any of the stuff they've gotten accustomed to inside.  (Is it unusual for the post master down at the post office to know my dog's names, but not mine?)  Anyhow, usually I send him comic books that he can't get over in Sweden and he sends me candy and music that I can't get here in the cornfield.  It's always a fun exchange, since we never know exactly what will be inside until it arrives.  I usually put the candy away and just eat a little bit of it at a time since I am trying to lose a little weight and because Mr. Taleteller has a particular weakness for chocolate.  (One of the few rare arguments that we have ever had was over a box of chocolate covered caramels that I recieved as a gift which he devoured without even saving me one.  We've both learned a lot since then.) 

Last night, I thought I'd try this one particular bar of chocolate that had been sent.  I forgot one very important thing.  Our girls, particularly Bunny, are mad for yogurt.  This chocolate bar has yogurt and raspberry inside.  No sooner did I peel open the wrapper than Bunny and Blueberry appeared in the bedroom like some sort of tempest.  I couldn't give them any, I mean, we all know chocolate is dangerous for dogs.  I ate a few bites and put it back in the drawer.  Blueberry stalked off to the living room in disgust.  Bunny didn't give in so easily.  For the first time that I can remember, when I climbed into bed, Bunny was curled up on my side.  This is unusual.  She normally sleeps against my husband under the quilt he piles on to the bed.  She was willing to sleep on my side of the bed for the possibility of getting a bite of that chocolate.

A few minutes later, Mr. Taleteller came to bed.  He noticed Bunny gazing adoringly at me on my side of the bed.  He commented on how unusual it was.  He even held up the side of the quilt and offered her a spot.  She was not budging.  I began to laugh.

Me:  I think I know why she wants to stay over here.

Mr. Taleteller:  Oh?  Why is that?

Me:  I had a bite of chocolate.  She's hoping for a taste.

Mr. Taleteller:  You had chocolate?  (He turns his own puppy dog eyes on me.)

Me:  Well, yes...  It has yogurt and raspberry in it.

Mr. Taleteller and Bunny:  I love you!

Me:  You want a taste?

Mr. Taleteller and Bunny:  YES!

So, I climb out of bed and get the chocolate bar out and break off a few more pieces.  Mr. Taleteller sniffs at it and arches his eyebrow.  He tentatively nibbles off a little corner.  He chews it and then grins like a kid in a candy store.  Bunny turns her doe eye on first him and then me as she sees him eat the whole thing.  She lets out a sigh of disgust as she realizes that each of us ate some more and she still didn't get any.

After the reaction everyone has had to it, I think I better find a good hiding spot for it.  I've noticed that they've taken to stalking me lately.  I wonder why that is.  I never thought I'd be nearly knocked down by my dogs and husband over a piece of chocolate.

Psssst!  A note here from Bunny -- send more chocolate and yogurt!  I almost got her to give me a taste!  I was this close!