Friday, November 21, 2008

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.

6 comments:

Biggie-Z said...

Way to go, Madison! You are a girl after my own heart. Isn't guarding GREAT??

P.S. How much do you weigh now?

Tama-Chan, Benny, Vidock, Violette, Ollie, Heloise, Momo, Ryu said...

We think it's very funny that Madison has already figured that hoodies are suspect items of clothing!!!

Sen-Chan, Tom and Tama-Chan

Eduardo said...

Wow that is just too cool! I love that Madison is on guard!
Hugs & Snugs
Eduardo the Snuggle Puggle

KEY WEST COLLIES said...

Way to go Madison. We are catching up with your blog and finally got Dog Dad to get your name on our cyber-paw pal list.

Essex & Deacon

The Devil Dog said...

Wow! That is a good job you did protecting your mom, Madison.

Roxy

Nobody takes me seriously if I bark at them. I am too small.

Lindsay said...

Madison, we just came across your bloggy. We are so happy that Booker's people found such a great little (ha!) doggy like yourself to help heal. We're looking forward to following your adventures in a way we weren't able to with Booker (we discovered him too late). You are sure going to be a fantastic guardian for your pack!

Brown dog kisses,
Dannan


musings on a giant schnauzer in a little MEDIUM LARGE package