ELBEE In case you’re wondering, she got the title of this post from Greta Garbo in Grand Hotel. Yes, I binge watch the classics. A Star is Born is one of my favorites.
Last week when I picked up Gus from his groomer/stylist Marsha, she asked what I thought was an unusual question. She wanted to know if he had a place at home where he could be alone.
It seems that sometimes after their baths, Gus would rather sit in his own area than wait with Elbee, the diva who barks constantly. It may be that Gus wants to avoid guilt by association.
GUS Don’t get me wrong, I love the big guy but sometimes he’s a loudmouth. I feel very zen after my bath and need a little peace and quiet.
ELBEE Excuse me for being entertaining. I like to practice my singing. I also have a lot to say if anyone would bother to listen.
I hate to admit this but I’m starting to believe that Elbee actually does talk. Not like he does here and not like that Husky who says, “I love you,” but with his barking. It’s not random. When my husband, who now wants to be included in my posts, tries to talk to me, Elbee interrupts. When someone comes into the house, family or friend, Elbee will make noise until they give him their undivided attention.
I realize that’s why the hospital setting is so great for him. He holds court. When he falls into the laps of excited kids in the neuropsych units, he’s in heaven. It’s like Cher playing Vegas.
GUS Does that mean I’m his opening act?
Despite being pack animals, dogs, like people, sometimes need their own space. At home the dogs will often hang out together. There are other times, though, when they want to be alone, especially after working.
Charley used to head for the walk in closet. Elbee likes to lie down behind the bathroom door. Riley, our 15 year old Golden, has staked out a spot in the laundry room.
Gus, on the other hand, has a throne. It’s an old leather ottoman in a corner of the hallway, originally put there to cover up an area of carpet that the dogs had eaten.
ELBEE The leather is “faux” and I am innocent. It was Gus.
It has become Gus’s perch. Unlike the others with their quiet, private spots, he likes to sit where he can see out the front window. He has become a real people watcher. Elbee and Riley never bother him when he’s on his throne.
Gus has also developed an unusual habit. He steals my shirts out of the closet. I found a few scattered on the floor. Then I found a couple more hidden behind the throne. It was a little stalkerish but cute. Come to think of it, maybe he needs a little less alone time.
