The traitor’s gaze…

Early Saturday morning.

There I was, sleeping like an innocent baby, probably dreaming something nice.
Suddenly, my inner survivor required my attention. I had a feeling I was being watched. I didn’t even have to open my eyes to feel the blasphemous stare. The intensity was overwhelming. I finally opened my eyes and got a right hook from a tiny white paw right on my mouth, followed by a blunt nose pressed against my forehead. I shut my eyes again in a feeble attempt to pretend I was still asleep under the warm and cosy duvet. I wasn’t ready for the day just yet.

Stubborn Bostie

Unfortunately, the owner of the white paw and blunt nose didn’t buy it, thus repeating the heartless abuse. In fact, it intensified, so I simply gave up. The owner of the white paw and blunt nose sat in front of me, very contemptuous, giving me the stare-down and silently urging me to do my duties as his human and provide him with food – now.

Guilt trip

I felt guilty and jumped out of bed, hurried to the kitchen, and gave him his precious food. As he was eating, I hurried back to the bedroom. While throwing longing stares at the bed, I quickly dressed in my trainers and prepared for a morning walk/run so little blunt nose could do his ”morning business” and get some exercise and fresh air. Thinking he would appreciate my effort, I went to the door and called, ”Wanna go out and pee? Oh yes, my darling, we’re going out!”
Silence.
I repeated the sentence in my friendliest and perkiest voice, thinking the little blunt nose would happily come jumping with excitement and happiness, ready for adventures!
Silence.

The Art of Patience

Finally, I saw his little face sticking out from the kitchen door, looking at me. He sighed and slowly came out to the hallway. He stopped. He looked. He sighed again. Slowly, he walked a few steps and smelled the harness I was holding in front of him with my friendliest possible face. He backed a few steps as if he was pondering the offer.
Eventually, he stepped in front of the harness as if to say, Alas, I’m ready, let us go out and do the business…

Thankless wretch

Being a considerate human, I also brought out his sweater. It is winter, and I know my little blunt-nosed Boston Terrier Ellert doesn’t care much for the snow (or the rain…or when it’s windy), thinking he would like the idea of something warm to wear. But the one thing he hates more than bad weather is wearing clothes. So, the long, tedious process started again. He backed a few steps and gazed at me with big, accusatory eyes. He sat down. He sighed. His entire being tells me, ”I’m only doing this for YOU. You know I’m taking YOU out for a walk, you ridiculously perky nincompoop, so I’m not wearing that silly sweater. Ain’t gonna happen”. By now, my positive attitude is a bit strained, and I unceremoniously dress him in the sweater without any perky noises or gestures.

The war of the wills

Doing my best to ignore my little companion’s lack of enthusiasm, we ventured outside. It’s one of those rare sunny winter mornings, and my mood is lifting a tad bit. We start the walk that will soon become a short but healthy run. Four steps later, Ellert is doing his first business. When done, he begins business number two in the same spot. Oh good! One might think we can enjoy a healthy run without stops!
Alas, stop the thinking. My companion quickly turned around and resolutely walked back to the door, urging me with his big, slightly squinty eyes to let him in.

After a silent yet fierce mental battle between two powerful wills…I let him in.
I guess I’ll be running alone then…