Hot Dogs

Hot Dogs, originally uploaded by MaryWit.

The day was sunny--and warm--at the Ballard Farmers Market and Sadie took this opportunity to demostrate her theory of canine passive resistance as a new means of communicating what she wants--in this case, laying down next to the hot dog stand. She got her brat this time, but (are you listening, Sadie?) it doesn't always work at every fish~n~chips stand, hamburger joint or sidewalk cafe we pass.

At ten years old she continues to find progressive and innovative ways to train me to her will. She loves to go...anywhere, anytime, by any means of transport. In these days of my unemployment, we go for long walks several times a day. She's obedient, fresh and happy as a puppy walking away from our apartment, but when we turn the final corner toward home, she plants herself, mule-style, and will not budge. No amount of undignified tugging and pulling (sometimes cursing) will get her moving; it's only when I stop, speak nicely and offer a treat that she will once again resume walking in tandem with me like the well oiled machine we have become after all these years together.