Day 859

It seems we often have expectations for someone based on the history of their actions. Children tend to run out into the street, an acquaintance might share a tidbit they should have kept closer to their heart or a Golden will destroy your home in the night if not kenneled!

Arriving at the cottage, we discovered we had forgotten to bring up a larger, second kennel for Sam. Only used as a cave for sleeping, these XXL “detainers” are equipped with cushy bedding, Snuggle Puppies and quilted covers to keep them from a chill. They LOVE their Dog Caves!

What to do…. the suggestion to place quilts and pillows beside the bed and use a doggy gate to keep him contained was offered. With great care and love, we prepared his nest. Bedtime arrived and Sam gleefully entered his brother’s kennel while Gus looked quite confused. Escorting him into his new “bedroom," he sniffed, executed three circles and almost settled in for the night. However, our long-legged boy (Gus) spied the king bed and, with the grace of an antelope, leaped up onto our bed and made himself at home. We didn’t have the heart to move him! That little bed bug snuggled all night without any shenanigans! Expectations shattered!

Like Gus, who we expected to fail, those around us often fall prey to our pre-conceived notions and beliefs. How do we learn to trust when there have been previous disappointments and failures. There comes a time when we need to let them try again to prove that change has taken place.

Never easy, I always forgive but hold on to that “forgetting” part until there has been enough proof of success in a change. As for dogs and children, safety makes me hold onto my doubts for their success…and that’s OK. Better to be overly protective than to allow a mistake at the hands, or paws, of a young one who is loved.

As for Gus…our bed bug/bed HOG is there to stay! We are all quite pleased with this arrangement… especially Gus!