NEW CASTLE —
I'm starting to see signs that my little boy is finally becoming a man.
It all started several years ago, when I inherited a Shih Tzu named Tyler to raise.
Tyler had been trained to go for walks on a leash, when it was time to do his personal business.
After the adoption took place, somehow I inherited the job of walking the dog on these business trips.
Often on a cold and snowy winter night, when he could not find an appropriate spot to use, I would become a tad irate.
This was especially true when he would find a spot, start to lift his leg, and then change his mind.
It seemed to amuse my wife when I would come back inside, accusing the dog of being a complete idiot.
I've had dogs most of my life. All I had to do was let them out, and they did their thing on their own, without any observers in sight.
This dog is different. He likes an audience.
If I tie him up out back, all he does is sit on the porch and bark, until I come out with him.
Lately, when I have tried this, he has been staying out all by himself.
I'm so proud!
I can't prove it, but three dogs have moved in next door, and I think he enjoys the wonderful aroma of their doo-doo.
This isn't the only sign of his maturing.
A couple of times last week, he even went to bed without his stuffed froggy.
To be honest, I sort of miss froggy at night.
Don't tell anyone, but on occasion, I may bring froggy to bed when he doesn't.
I'm just waiting until he can go outside without a leash and go potty in the woods, where it doesn't need cleaned up.
Does anyone have a clue why he always turns his back parts to me when he is doing No. 2.
I just think he's proud of it.Gary Church: A closer look at Tyler’s No. 2 — and I ain’t talkin’ about a pencil
I'm starting to see signs that my little boy is finally becoming a man.
It all started several years ago, when I inherited a Shih Tzu named Tyler to raise.
Tyler had been trained to go for walks on a leash, when it was time to do his personal business.
After the adoption took place, somehow I inherited the job of walking the dog on these business trips.
Often on a cold and snowy winter night, when he could not find an appropriate spot to use, I would become a tad irate.
This was especially true when he would find a spot, start to lift his leg, and then change his mind.
It seemed to amuse my wife when I would come back inside, accusing the dog of being a complete idiot.
I've had dogs most of my life. All I had to do was let them out, and they did their thing on their own, without any observers in sight.
This dog is different. He likes an audience.
If I tie him up out back, all he does is sit on the porch and bark, until I come out with him.
Lately, when I have tried this, he has been staying out all by himself.
I'm so proud!
I can't prove it, but three dogs have moved in next door, and I think he enjoys the wonderful aroma of their doo-doo.
This isn't the only sign of his maturing.
A couple of times last week, he even went to bed without his stuffed froggy.
To be honest, I sort of miss froggy at night.
Don't tell anyone, but on occasion, I may bring froggy to bed when he doesn't.
I'm just waiting until he can go outside without a leash and go potty in the woods, where it doesn't need cleaned up.
Does anyone have a clue why he always turns his back parts to me when he is doing No. 2.
I just think he's proud of it.
Gary Church
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About Gary Church: Gary is a columnist and contributing writer for The News. He’ll share his thoughts on this blog each Tuesday and Friday.
Discussion
Gary Church: A closer look at Tyler’s No. 2 — and I ain’t talkin’ about a pencil
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