Don't throw T-shirts at your Dood...

[Pat and Traveler]

Trav has a place of ultimate refuge in the house. When things have become unbearably horrible, he retreats to a small area in the bathroom between the toilet and the wall and just stands there. He’s elected to escape to this refuge on only 6 or 7 occasions in his 1-1/2 years–a couple of times when he saw me gathering grooming tools after the previous grooming session was too vigorous for his taste, and when he realized I was getting ready to give him a bath in the kitchen sink, an activity he interprets as unmitigated dog abuse.

He has also perfected a small but adequate whine when he wants something and I haven’t yet provided that whatever. Like when a ball is under the couch where he can’t reach it or he’s checked his internal clock and concluded it was time for breakfast or dinner.

This morning I was rudely awakened by that small, piercing whine, which I sleepily figured was Trav letting me know he was ready for breakfast. I wasn’t a happy camper, and grabbed a T-shirt and threw it at him while saying some colorful words. A few minutes later I realized I really was awake and had to use the bathroom, and yes–there was Trav wedged into his refuge place by the toilet. Poor little guy–I must have really scared him with the T-shirt and noises. Maybe I should have given him a bath in the sink since he was already traumatized, but that thought is no doubt just a throwback to the initial bad mood of the morning. I’m sure both of us will cheer up as the day progresses. We’ve already had a pleasant walk in the park.

[Pat and Traveler]

And then the next morning, he was running into the house with a stick and ran right through the screen.  He didn't get hurt at all, and didn't think this was worth a trip to his refuge spot.  I felt like going there, though...:)

[Donna K & Quincy]

If I threw a shirt at Quincy, he'd just say thanks and then chow down.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Poor Traveler......a thrown shirt, bad words, and the possibility of a bath all in one morning. No wonder he hid by the toilet....LOL! Sounds like the walk might have helped everyone's mood. Hope the rest of the day got better.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

Murphy tries to hide behind my DH when he is trying to avoid ear cleaning, combing or God forbid the dreaded toothbrush. He pokes his head out from behind him and watches me approach and I feel like he thinks DH is going to rescue him from the big ol witch with the toothbrush.

Bella has a weeping willow type tree in the backyard that she scurries under and sticks her head out and just stands perfectly still for the longest time when she's done something outside that she's not supposed to. Considering she is all white and the tree is all green, she has no idea that she sticks out like a neon sign under there. It's also her favorite hiding place for all her treasures she collects. It looks like a kids fort under this tree with toys and paper and bones and who knows what. DH cleans it out mumbling "how the heck did this get under here? or "What is she doing with this?"  As cute as can be.

[Suzann, Rosey & Bandit]

Poor Trav!! Hope your day got better!

[Camilla and Darwin]

Darwin runs to his crate when he is trying to hide. Pull out the ear cleaner? He's in there for sure. :-)

[Joanne ~ Spud*]

Spud would love it and catch the shirt mid-air.  But as far as the toilet and wall go, Spud loves to jam into this little space to sleep and stay cool.

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

So cute and funny! Chloe's can make it under our couch that is only 4 inches from the floor? It's really incredible!

[Ricki and Tara (doodle)]

Trav's motto" Fool me once shame on you..."

[Pat and Traveler]

Funny to hear about other doods' hiding places!  Whenever I think dogs don't remember, all I have to do is put a towel on the bed and then try to get Trav to stand on it.  I did that ONCE before bathing him, and he associates a towel on the bed with having a bath and runs for the hills.  Not even the most tasty treats can lure him onto that towel!  Trav seems to believe he can't be seen when he's in his refuge, facing the wall.