On the Streets They Call it "Survival"

Over the weekend we dog-sat for my friend Chassity.  Her dog, Rashad, is a sweet (yet ornery) Lab mix and a friend of Mamie's...that is as long as he doesn't stay at her house.  

The second we pulled up and Rashad got out of the car, Mamie went Cujo on him.  She didn't bite him but was determined to establish her authority (which she has never done with another dog.)  So for a while afterwards, Rashad was terrified of her even though he has at least 20 pounds on her.

 I think this picture pretty much sums the mood up as Rashad is trying to mind his Ps and Qs around Mamie and she's all, "Why is he still here?"

 This next one barely captures an act that we believe to be an intimidation tactic on Mamie's part where she pecks her "inferior" with her snout.  Seriously.  Just like a chicken.  She did it all weekend to him.

 She was also determined to keep Rashad off the furniture (note the above picture of Stonewall Jackson) which was ironic since she originally wasn't supposed to be allowed on it (I owe my husband for breaking that rule 48 hours in.)  When we went to sleep Rashad plopped down on his doggie bed beside the human bed (where Mamie sleeps) and she stood on the edge of the bed, over him, to stare him down.  If dogs could talk this would have been the dialogue:

Mamie: "Rashad, you can't get on this bed!"

Rashad:............

Mamie: "OK, Rashad???!!!"

Rashad:..........

Mamie: "RASHAAAAAD!!!! I mean it!  I know you want to get up here but you are not allowed!!!"

Rashad:.........

I am making Mamie out to be meaner than she really was.  She really likes Rashad and at times loved having him over but also felt very territorial. I really think a lot of her issue was that he is larger than she so she thought she needed overcompensate. 

The next morning I cleaned out the pantry thinking that my big helpers could assist.....

 I mean, pick up a broom or consolidate the popcorn packages to one box.... Ugh!

The rest of the day the kids managed to wear themselves out and Stonewall even gave in to Rashad...

 Chassity came later that night and took our guest on home and as much as Mamie enjoyed (at times) her company, she was glad to have her house (and mom) to herself the next day.

That evening at dinner Beau and I were joking about her treatment of Rashad.

Beau: "Mamie, you are such a bully!!"

Me: "On the streets (where she came from) they call it "Survival".