Last night, Nanuq and I visited the patients at Central State Psychiatric Hospital, Petersburg, Virginia. One of the patients asked the staff if he could buy us. She told him "no" and he became frustrated with her. No matter how many times she explained that we belonged to our parents and were not for sale, he still wanted to purchase us.
Nanuq and I thought about when we want things and mom and dad will not let us have them. Sometimes, we do not complain, but other times we pull on our leashes and try to get "the desired prize" anyway. No is a hard thing to accept sometimes whether you are a psychiatric patient or a furry dog.
Authority figures are placed in our lives for a reason. They are there to protect us. Mom and dad do their best to protect and help us understand we can not have everything we want.
Recently, I stole dad's homemade lasagna off the counter. I have been told over and over again not to take food. I am to wait until it is offered to me. Normally, I obey, but lately my parents have been fixing some really good smelling food. I have been tempted beyond belief.
After consuming half a pan of lasagna in a few fast gulps, Mom put me in a down so she could clean up the few remaining spatters. While I laid there I realized why mom and dad told me not to eat things that are not offered to me.
My tummy began to grumble. It was so good going down, but now I do not feel good. I had an upset tummy for a day or so. It really was not worth the few seconds of gratification I received while consuming dad's lasagna.
Just like the psychiatric patient, I get cranky sometimes when I do not get my way. I am trying to remember my parents know best. God put them in my life for a reason. Today, Nanuq and I are going to try and obey and not give in to any good smelling temptation that comes our way.
Woofs and Wags,
Sitka
