So true--for the longest time, I couldn't understand that dogs LIKE to "know their place." If they were human siblings, it would be so cruel to blatantly favor one over the other, but from everything I've read, dogs thrive on it. They don't mind being low man on the totem pole as long as they're securely and consistently down there.

Unlike, say, bling-loving writers!

So true! And Peanut gets lots of cuddle time, too, we just try to make sure that the cherished "lap before bedtime" cuddle puts Peanut in Navy Guy's lap and Daisy with me. :) Poor Peanut is having a bad day today. She had her second set of puppy shots and it really hurts. She limps and whimpers when she walks and she had the shivers so I'm carrying her everywhere, wrapped up in a warm towel. Daisy seems to understand, though - she gave Peanut some kisses on her tiny head and isn't even trying to shove her out of my lap. I think dogs understand way more than we think they do.

You mean the "know you place" thing doesn't apply to human siblings? I'm pretty sure it's what keeps my sisters and me happy and loving each other. Sissy #1 is the boss. Sissy #2 is the caregiver. Sissy #3 (that's me) is the entertainment.

[Editor's note: translated from the original Dog.]

All right. That's it. I'm putting an automatic "Drink While Reading This Post At Your Own Risk" disclaimer on all of Alesia's posts.

Glad the pugpy is learning her place. ;)

First: I love that you guys all comment on each other. It's warm and welcoming.

Second: I have a 20 yr old alpha cat, he allows the 13 yr old beta some lap privileges of laptime and affection, but the 16 yr old omega who has only been with us for four years is NOT ALLOWED near me or my lap and gets cuffed if he tries. So the 16yo stays in the bedrooms and I sneak in for cuddles when the old man is asleep in the front room.

Cat politics. Just as dangerous as human.

With our four dogs, each one has his/her "own" person so usually that means there isn't a lot of fighting over laps. However, for some reason ALL the dogs think that MY lap is Switzerland (neutral territory) so whenever I decide to sit on the couch I get Lucy, who leaps onto the back of the couch so she can cuddle against my shoulder (did I mention the fact that Lucy is 45 pounds and still growing?!), Boo and Chula each grab a leg, and Max, my oversized cat, curls up on my other shoulder... And if South is feeling brave (he hates the hardwood floors) he may come in and pant in my face or lay at my feet! It can be a little overwhelming, especially because there is a little rivalry going between Lucy and Boo--especially if DD#1 is gone and Boo has to sleep in my room at night. (His new place to sleep is the laundry basket...) And by the way, Alesia--that is probably one of the CUTEST pug puppies I have ever seen!! I just love the little snorkley noises they make! Pugs and bullies--gotta love 'em!!

I was going to say that no puppy is cuter than a cocker spaniel puppy - but Peanut? SO cute.
I am having puppy issues also. We have four dogs - one of which is a six month old cocker spaniel who gets to come in the house in the evenings while the other three are exclusively outdoor dogs. This, of course, caused quite a bit of jealousy for quite some time. Just lately - and we've had Murphy since he was five weeks old - the other dogs have welcomed him into their fold. Murphy, now that he's an accepted member of outdoor society, has the misfortune of having to learn to be an exclusively outdoor dog, too. Poor bugger. I'm sure had he known, he would have continued to make "the others" jealous to prolong his indoor privileges.
But this is really a story about nothing in particular. I'm just a dog person who likes to talk about her dogs.

Eileen, you are always the entertainment!! We LOVE you!!!

Lani, we need the same disclaimer for you. The mouse? freaking hilarious!!

>>And if South is feeling brave (he hates the hardwood floors) he may come in and pant in my face or lay at my feet<<
Sheri!! Peanut is afraid of the hardwood floors, too! which really works well for me, because she stays on the area rug in the family room and I never have to worry about her getting into anything anywhere else in the house (so far).

Jenn, cocker spaniel puppies are ADORABLE. Where do you live that you can have outdoor dogs? It's 20 degrees here at night now that we've moved to the frozen tundra (aka Virginia Beach).
hugs,
alesia, back to the deadline

Heh heh, sounds like me and my sisters, too :-)

Michelle

It's not just dogs. We had guinea pigs that were sisters and we brought them home from the pound at 7 weeks old. Talk about sibling rivalry! Princess was the dominate, bully piggie and Duchess was brave! One day, my husband gave Princess a piece of apple, then gave Duchess one. Princess immediately dropped hers, went over to Duchess, yanked her piece of apple out of her mouth and ran to the other side of the cage. So, DH took the dropped piece and handed it to Duchess (piggies aren't known for brains or eyesight!). The same thing happened. Whatever piece Duchess had, that's the one Princess wanted. Finally, my husband scooped Princess out of the cage so Duchess could eat her own apple and while he was telling her, "We share in this house," Princess was scratching and biting him. She was so mad at being taken out of the cage! It was hilarious.

That is so funny about the guinea pigs!! I can just see it! LOL.
Alesia

We learned to make sure we handed them each a piece at the exact same time!!