“Remoted – Hybrid” – Day 763 (Monday) – national pet day

According to the official calendars of made-up holidays and commemorations, today, April 11, is “National Pet Day.” The National Today website, the chronicle of all things national days, notes that national pet day was created “in 2006 to celebrate the joy pets can bring to us.” Sheesh, that took long enough. Did it take until 2006 for pets to become delightful? Maybe pets were not as charming in the earlier days. Of course, I am the pet parent who often forgets to post the public pet adulation on National Pet Day, so what does that say about me?

At The BungaLowell, the pet doting is not restricted to just one day of the year. Doting and pampering occurs on most days, and especially now that Winston is the only official pet on site. When Moose was around, the attention needed to be balanced. Spread around. Shared.

Winston!

If one pup saw the other receiving a snuggle or a head scratch, there would be repercussions. The second pup would snuggle in for some love. Maybe there was a low-level growl with an Elvis-like lip lift or some full blown teeth exposure.  

Doggy snuggling also required extensive peacekeeping skills, usually motivated by the fear of expensive veterinary bills. It was a juggling act worthy of an International Juggling Association Award. Yes, it’s a thing.

Now that all the attention is heaped upon Winston whether he wants it or not and he has me all to himself, he no longer cares. Without Moose to shove aside, Winston is no longer interested in snuggling near me on the couch. It's hard to not take it personally.

Since Moosie left us last summer, Winston now prefers cookies to cuddles and generally curls up all comfy in his bed on the floor. Alone. It’s fine. I know my place in the pet universe, and it's provider of food and opener of doors.

It's okay. When Winnie is on the floor in his bed ignoring me, the distance makes it easier to admire his canine perfection more easily. Or so I tell myself.