big woof, little package

After the dog park this morning, we stopped to get a car wash. There was a huge bird shit on the rear window, splattered in an very unflattering pattern across the tail lights and bumper. And, Madison needed a little more dry-time from her foot bath after the dog park.

We pulled in, requested the full wash, and then H-Mom signaled the team of vacuum and rag-wielding washers to wait while she unloaded Madison from the backseat. When she was out of the car, the cleaning crew jumped to action.

H-Mom was paying at the little plexiglass window, her back to the activity. Madison was standing nicely on her leash.

There was a huge WOOF. A serious WOOF.

H-Mom turned around quickly to see who the other dog was.

One of the workers, in a hooded sweatshirt and ball cap, was mid-jump, moving 5-feet backwards. Madison was standing very still, with her eyes on him.

H-Mom almost laughed. "Was that HER?"

The hooded suspect nodded incredulously and backed away. He had come toward H-Mom from behind, to pet Madison. He put his hands up in a gesture of surrender and shook his head "never mind."

The instinct to guard is very strong. And Madison was doing her very best guardian-puppy imitation. Even at 4-1/2 months, she is imposing when standing at attention.

If approaching Madison's family from the rear, looking like a mugger, we are thinking that it is best to announce your approach and be greeted amiably by the human-in-charge. Then, and quite likely only then, can you pet the puppy.

Madison obviously has a job to do, and an excellent work ethic.