Fudge and Vern Play Favorites!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

 

Fudge and Vern are my dogs.  Most of their care falls to me, because I am home with them the most, and I think that alone should make me their favorite person in the whole world. I just don’t think I should have to tolerate anything less.  I gave birth to two lovely daughters that love me, but they think their dad walks on water.  I can’t tell you how many times I have picked up the phone and one of them has asked to talk to their dad about a pressing issue. Sometimes, I say he is unavailable, but I could help because I know lots of stuff and they can’t stop laughing. The oldest one is the worst and loves to say something like, “Mom, this is not an Everybody Loves Raymond trivia question, “ and that really burns me because I would totally nail the answer to that question. All the years I schlepped them around, planned parties, took them shopping, did their laundry, and made sure they had Christmas presents under the tree and birthday presents to open on the right day seemed to have been forgotten.  Time and time again, they have turned on me and I refuse to let this happen with Fudge and Vern.

 

My husband is the diplomat and peacemaker of our family.  My oldest worked in a beauty shop as her first job. She shampooed hair and answered phones. Her boss was actually my hairdresser and I helped get her the job, but that did not stop her from setting the water temperature to freezing right before she washed my hair and smiling as she said, “Let me know if this is too hot.”  I am sure she washed her dad’s hair with the water on the perfect setting.  She also liked to take full advantage of the free hair services provided and was constantly calling home to say that we should not be alarmed when she got home, because she had made a few changes to her hair while at work. Once, we both went to pick her up and the daughter we had dropped off as a beautiful blonde now had flaming red hair and very little eyebrows left. Apparently, she thought it sounded like a good idea to let someone who was learning how to wax eyebrows stand over her with hot wax and give it a shot. Well, as we saw Megan approach, my DH whispered, “dear god, what was she thinking?” My husband was clever back in those days and while I yelled, “Lucy, where are your eyebrows?” he said very calmly, “It looks great!” Round one to dad.

 

Our youngest daughter had lots of surgeries when she was younger. At sixteen, she had jaw surgery and had to stay a couple of nights in the hospital.  The deal was the first night my husband would stay with her and the next night was my turn.  I showed up on time for my shift and for some reason, her jaw did not hurt, but her feet were killing her. Shortly after I got there she needed help to get to the bathroom. This involved supporting her body while pushing the IV pole. I made one tiny mistake of not synchronizing the pole with her shuffle and it pulled on her IV and she fired me, just like that.  She said she wanted her dad to stay instead of me.  I begged for another chance and promised to do better next time and she just shook her swollen little head.  Round two to dad.

 

Now, here are MY two dogs and history seems to be repeating itself. Lately, Fudge and Vern have been coming into our bedroom at night when I am in bed acting like they need something from me and then walking out of the room. This goes on and on and I find myself saying to two DOGS, “Do you guys need to go potty? Are you hungry? Is your water dish full?” like they are going to answer.  One night, my husband came in to see why I kept screaming, “Fudge and Vern, go tell your daddy what you want!” and both dogs immediately put their front paws on the bed and gave him a look like, “we could use a hand here.” Once they were on the bed, they ran to the area where he was standing and both made moon doggie eyes at him until he rubbed their necks and bellies. I kept saying, “hey guys, I’m over here,” and all I got for a response was their backsides staring me in the face. It is clear to me that Fudge and Vern have perfected a system to guarantee that their favorite guy is going to make time to give them their belly rubs each night. All I am to them is a means to an end. Sometimes, I have to turn away because the light shining in their eyes when they look at him is simply too bright.  Round three to husband.

 

Jump to this week, Vern went to the sitters and Fudge stayed home with me. She slept for a while and then I took her outside and played ball with her, which is her favorite activity. She was in seventh heaven, prancing around, and enjoying every minute of me yelling, “Airbud!’ whenever she caught the ball in her mouth.  I thought we had formed a bond that could never be broken. Yesterday, my husband and I were sitting outside and Fudge found a ball in the yard and I could see her turn in our direction. I might even have said rather smugly,  “Fudge is just crazy about me and loves me to throw the ball for her, ” right before she walked right by me, without a moment’s hesitation, and dropped the ball in my husband’s lap. I also found out that Labradoodles do not notice murderous looks or mind being called a little traitor as long as the person they prefer to throw the ball is willing to cooperate.  Later, she did the same thing when my daughter came outside and made sure she looked me right in the eye as she sashayed by me and I could almost hear her thinking, “You are in last place, sister!” Another round lost.

 

Well, two can play at this game. I am tired of being second choice, so I am going to start letting my husband shop for the Christmas presents and birthday presents.  He has trouble remembering what day Valentine’s Day falls on, so this should prove to be interesting. Let’s see who the favorite is on Christmas morning, when he stands around saying, “Is today Christmas?” and then runs around with a couple of CVS and Target bags saying he forgot to wrap everything. As for Fudge and Vern, well I am prepared to dab peanut butter behind my ears and carry cheese in all my pockets if it means they always look to me first. Sometimes desperate situations call for desperate measures. This round is all mine.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Susan, Yes, that means a lot....although, you have not met my husband yet...LOL!

[Susan and Sasha]

If it's any consolation to you Laurie...

I would be loyal to you!!  (smile)

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Jennifer, I never thought of that part. I might have squirrels, groundhogs, and mice hanging off my shirt tails..LOL!

[Jennifer,Chloe & Myla]

Laurie this was great! You have a very good plan! You may have a few more friends then Fudge and Vern if you walk around like that but hey whatever works for you.

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Leslie, Halas has a lot of personality :)

Rose Ann, Thanks!!

[Leslie and Halas]

Halas is pretty much a mama's boy, but he does go nuts for a few people when they come over. I'll squat down and open my arms, waiting for my doodle hug, and he'll run right by me to greet the other person if we come in together.

[Rose Ann and Amante]

Peanut butter and cheese hmmmm! Love it!!

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Thanks, Tessa!!

[Tessa, Ellie and Wheezy]

LOL....Loved your blog!!! 

 

[Laurie, Fudge, and Vern]

Linda, Thank you for the tip about the honey. I bet that will work. LOL. Poor Murphy... I hate anything with stitches for this very reason. I am laughing picturing Finn on your head...he must not be as big as Murphy :)

Lisa, We need to take that boat out of here and on vacation :) Once again, Daisy and Fudge are twins.

Mimi, There is something special with daughters and fathers. My girls really are very lucky, but I still want to be the favorite....LOL!!

Nancy, My thinking exactly :)

Donna, Good point about Christmas. There could be a revolt :) Quincy sounds like he is very fair with his affection. He is a very good Doodle !!!