The Cold Shoulder And A Warm Gaze

You may recall that last week, Mr. Taleteller was gone for several days.  If you're a dog owner, you know that the best thing about coming home is being greeted by your adoring dogs when you arrive home.  I know that Mr. Taleteller missed his girls a great deal.

Of course, the girls missed him, too.  Of our three hounds, Blueberry seems to be the closest to him.  She expects his attention first and is most content when they're together on the floor with his quilt.  She is probably also the most sensitive of our three girls.  If you are having a bad day, Blueberry knows it before you have walked in the back door.  Perhaps she expected him to make more of a fuss over her.  I'm not sure, but I do know that after she sniffed him to see where he'd been, she suddenly was a bit put out.


To add insult to injury, Mr. Taleteller returned without presents for the girls.  He did bring back some of the best bagels I've ever had from a shop that his family always visits when they're out East.  However, they're onion bagels, and onions are dangerous for dogs.  Bread products are Blueberry's very favorite thing, and she sometimes can't resist stealing some when it's not shared with her in what she considers a timely manner.  She has been sulking since he got back, barely glancing at him and mostly sucking up to me in what I believe is her eloquent way of making a point.

Every morning, I've had half of one of these giant bagels with cream cheese for breakfast.  My husband will usually get one ready for me while I'm finishing putting on my makeup in the bathroom and set it on the counter for me.  Blueberry always appears right after this delivery, sits in the doorway and gazes at me with the utmost adoration.  Telling her that onions are bad for dogs does not deter her.  I have to watch the bagel at all times, because I know the second I look away she will have it not only off the plate, but devoured.  Greyhounds aren't just fast at the track!

Today, I decided to break down and give her a tiny bite off the corner that didn't have any onion on it.  I believe that it might have sealed the deal and won Daddy's Girl over as mine!  She seems to be a much happier hound now!