Day 929

The “Enforcer!”

Lilly is the Alpha and absolutely runs the show at the Big While House! She leads the way outside and in. She eats first and drinks from the water bowl before anyone else. When we leave the house we always say, “Lilly…you’re in charge!”

The boys all take their cues from her and none of them push her buttons…ever!

How does one achieve that level of power? Being “in charge” is a challenge for me. Not exactly a “follower,” I am not one to bark out orders! That seems like a lovely position to hold. Seldom do I ruffle feathers or create angst in others…until it is absolutely necessary!

My son would be the first to tell you that, on the two or three rare occasions when I abandoned my expected role, I was the most frightening thing out there. There might be one or two more people who would agree, but not many!

Today, our Sammy decided to pluck a few ornaments off the tree for a “Chew Fest!” I was not amused! In a tone seldom heard by furry ears, I told him he was naughty. I didn’t raise my voice at all. It was the tone! The other three came skulking into the scene of the crime and, with tails between their legs, hovered nearby watching… like gawkers at a car accident.

When Sammy couldn’t put his ears further back or hang his head lower, I reminded him that he was still adored, but “Just say NO to ornaments!"

So, all is forgiven and peace reigns once again at The Big White House. There seem to be two lessons here:

*Save your “Big Bad Self” for important situations and don’t use it often!

*Lilly isn’t the only Alpha in the house!