My dog is bad

Thursday, September 22, 2011
Central Park East - 7:30am

Sofie was bad today.  She ran away from me in the park (something she always does), but did not return to me when I got out of eyesight (something she never does).  I called her and squeaked her today, thinking she'd burst out of some undergrowth somewhere - covered in burrs and leaves - indicative of chasing birds and squirrels.  NOPE.  I quickly turn the corner of where I know she is, and she is harassing this poor man who gives her Meaty Bones when she jumps up on him enough.  (Something that gets reinforced to her on a daily basis because the treat-holders always give her a treat when she jumps up on them).

She's run to the top of the hill where he and his very nice german shepherd are playing fetch and has completely interrupted the game, not to mention gotten his pant leg muddy and wet.  The worst part is, she is shamelessly and frantically sniffing his pants pocket - which looks awkward but I know is only happening because he has treats in it.  Thinking she will return to me when she sees me, I call her and squeak her toy again.  NOPE.  She doesn't even look my way.  At this point, I realize I'll have to carry her away from this guy.  I drag myself up the hill, apologize for his now dirty pants and my obnoxious, rambunctious dog and carry her writhing little wet, muddy body down the hill.  When we get far enough away, I set her down.  Within 10 seconds she is again out of eye sight and back at the top of the hill harassing the nice man again....so embarrassing.  At this point I realize that Sofie would leave me and start a new life with just about anyone who has a Meaty Bone or 2 that they would be willing to give her.  I'm pissed now, mainly because she's exposing my ineptness at being her master, so I run up the hill and angrily snap her leash on her.  The man can't withstand Sofie's cuteness, though, and asks if he can give her one more bone.....great.  I'm pretty sure I'll have to reroute my walk because otherwise this poor nice man will have my devilish little dog clawing at his pant leg on a daily basis.