I said "No!"

This weekend, we decided to take the girls on an outing to the dog bakery so that they could get out a bit.  It's been bitter cold here, so walking is still not an option for us.  I'm not sure how they know that we're going somewhere and they're involved with the trip, but it's always a different scenario when they're going.

Blueberry and Bunny both really like to go places in the car.  It's even better when we take the van.  Somehow, when Mr. Taleteller and I start getting ready to go, all three of the girls know.  Lilac is the opposite of Blue and Bunny, though.  She'd rather climb through cat territory on her own than ride in the moving box of death.  She will tolerate it, but she would rather avoid it.  She's never gotten sick riding with us, but she curls up in a corner and closes her eyes, waiting for it to be over.  Time has not helped the issue any and we try not to make her go too often since it seems to be something she dislikes.

It used to work out well when we would go.  Bunny and Blueberry would go in the van and Hawk and Lilac would rest their bones in a quiet, puppy-free zone.  Since Hawk's passing, my husband has been a little uncertain about leaving her at home alone.  I feel that she prefers to stay home, even if it is alone.  She and Hawk were certainly never close, so I don't see her caring whether she has his company or not. 

That brings us to our departure last weekend.  I'm sure our departure routine isn't that different from most other people's who have dogs.  Mr. Taleteller called the girls to go out for a potty break after we'd gotten the things we needed loaded in the van and had it warming up a bit.  Blueberry and Bunny were waiting for him at the back door, barely able to keep four feet on the floor as they anticipated our departure.  Lilac was in the living room, pretending that she was the exact same color as her dog bed and that we couldn't see her lying there.  Mr. Taleteller called her to go potty several times, and Lilac just burrowed into her bed a little more.  He took Blue and Bunny out to the turn out pen and returned for Lilac, carrying the leash with him to hook to her collar and lead her outside.  She grudgingly got up and met him in the kitchen.  I thought I saw her give him a meaningful look, but it was so fleeting, I might have been mistaken.

In any event, he took her outside as well and soon all three of the girls had taken care of their personal business.  A quick walk through the grass followed and then they headed towards the van.  We generally unhook the leash of each dog as she stands at the open door to the back seats of the van and then that dog will jump in the back and find her comfy spot for the ride.  Bunny and Blueberry were busy jockeying for postition, both wanting to hop into the van first and get situated.  The two of them did both get in and then Mr. Taleteller unhooked Lilac's leash and leaned down, prepared to help her step up into the van.

Instead, she pushed her way between his legs with surprising speed for an elderly greyhound and marched right up to the back door.  He stood there stunned.  I sat in the van laughing.  He looked at me and we had a short conversation.

Mr. Taleteller:  Do you think she'll be alright here by herself?

Lilac:  (stomping her foot at the back door)  It's cold out here, dammit!

Me:  She's been home alone before.  She'll be fine.

Mr. Taleteller:  You're sure?  I don't want her to freak out that she's all alone...

Lilac:  (glaring)  I'm not getting any younger here, whippersnapper!  Open the door for a lady, you young punk!

Me:  It seems pretty obvious what she wantes.

Mr. Taleteller:  Alright!  (There was something muttered under his breath about women being difficult, but I didn't catch it exactly.)

Lilac:  I could have died from the cold out here while you're flapping your gums!  Open the door!

Mr. Taleteller opened the door and Lilac made her way into the house in record time.  I'm sure she was asleep in her favorite bed before we even left the driveway.  She certainly knows how to make herself clear!  It turns out Bunny and Blueberry picked out a reindeer antler for her to chew on anyway, and she didn't have to leave the comfort of her bed.  She seems to have us all trained, except perhaps Mr. Taleteller, but she's not finished with him yet.