Get a dog, they said. It’ll be fun, they said.
I had a dog. He was 10 years old when he died, calm from the day he came home, pretty easy to train, a therapy dog by the time he was 3.
When he left us, I was devastated. So we quickly got a puppy. Maverick is the exact opposite of Max. In every way I can think of, they are opposites. Max was quite content to be off by himself, Maverick wants constant attention. Max was calm, quiet. Maverick is a ball of energy. Max loved his food – Maverick eats when he has time, because there are way too many more important things to do.
And the training. I could hold a piece of food in front of Max and he would do whatever it took to get that in his mouth. Maverick will consider if it’s actually worth it and most of the time, the answer is no.
I’ve been told that I should write a training book for real people with dogs like Maverick – comparing what the trainers tell you with what will really happen. “If your dog won’t eat, pick up his food after 15 minutes and put it back down 1/2 hour later. Eventually he’ll eat.” Maverick says, ‘Meh, fuck it, wasn’t hungry anyway.”
I think he’s part Honey Badger because he seriously does not give a fuck. (Sorry, Mother, I know you hated that word, but it’s the only thing that works here.)
We started a class this week. Maverick’s current obsession is licking his front paws. Nothing will distract him from this once he gets started. I’m not sure what’s causing it, if it’s anxiety or something else – It’s not allergies, he’s been checked 7 ways from Sunday and yes, he has skin allergies and he’s on medication for them, and the paws are not sore, red, rash,nothing. It’s a sort of self soothing habit that drives me completely and totally insane.
He Will Not Stop
So we went to class. The last class we did, we thought it was good to pick him up from daycare and go directly to the class. It turned out that wasn’t the best plan. So I picked him up at 5, brought him home, fed him half his normal supper – hallelujah, he ate! – and then we went to class at 7:30. He started the paw licking as soon as we got there. And didn’t stop the entire time. It was, to be blunt, fucking frustrating.
So. Again, we re-evalute. Back to square one – that seems to be our home, although sometimes we pass it on the way to negative square 10. Today we did a very short walk because it’s hotter than Satan’s balls out there, then we did puzzles. We worked those for about 10 minutes and then did a round of training exercises. And now he’s crashed out tired by the front door. This may work for a few days or a few weeks or maybe just a few minutes.
If not, I’m seriously considering an exorcism. Anyone know where I can get Holy water?
Suziecreamcheese Sings the Blues 
Can dogs have autism? That is what his behaviors remind me of.
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That’s a very good question and one I will do some research into
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I checked into this, and apparently it’s really a thing. However, he doesn’t match the list of symptoms I’ve found.
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Hmm, that is interesting. Oh well, it was worth consideration. Sorry it didn’t turn out to be helpful.
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Any information is always helpful- we learn as much from wrong answers as right answers. If that makes sense 😂
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I have nothing to offer that would help other than tell you where you can get some Holy Water.
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I wish I had some good advice. I’ve got a weird one too. I no longer have training goals…only survival ones. Wishing you luck! 🍀
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Sometimes I feel like he’s a total honey badger and then he does things like snooze quietly in the craft room while I sewed all day yesterday, and cuddled sweetly while I wept – grief I’m not up to sharing – and I know I’ll just keep trying to figure him out and make things as good as they can be for both of us. But if you know where I can get Holy Water, please share! 🙂
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Just ask at the nearest church. I am sure they will be happy to share (if you join and come to services).
Either that or try eBay. You can get anything there. 😆
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THey actually have it on Amazon, but I’d be doubtful it was the real stuff. I’ll ask my BFF, she plays the organ for churches in the area so I’m sure she can get me some. (I know, how the heck are we friends? LOL)
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By any chance are you her project? A soul to save?
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We’ve been friends for so long that I think she’s given up trying to redeem me. When we first met, I said to my husband, “I dunno, she plays the organ in church,and I read Tarot cards, but somehow, I think we’re gonna be friends.” We’ve been BFF’s practically since the minute we met.
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I don’t see tarot and church as being mutually exclusive. You are each searching for truths in your own ways.
Do you ever do long-distance readings?
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I have but I’m not by any means professional . Do you need a reading?
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Maybe. I’m not looking to know my future, but there are a few things I am looking to learn more about.
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Send me an email
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Is there a way to send it to you, or do I
post it on the site?
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Taxprincess@aol.com
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