Oh, Charli

You know those dogs that sleep on their back with their legs in the air like they just don't care? That's Charli. 

More often than not, Charli is:

• under my desk
• in the hall and on her back
• under the bed

No matter what, she's really never far from me. That is, until Shannen emerges from her room which often ends in a big, vocal, Charli hello (even if Charli had already seen her that day). It's evident that Charli has picked her people. It's also safe to say that she generally likes John a bit, too. And, as you can see from the image above, she's a big fan of Sonny, too. 

So, what's my point? 

I've created a MONSTER. 

Charli has trained me to read her pretty well. 

If she wants a cookie: she will pull me by the sleeve to the cookie box. Similarly, she will make it clear if she's hungry or thirsty (as if she doesn't have access to water all day). 

If she wants a walk: she will herd me to the front door where her leash is stored.

If she won't go outside to the backyard without me: she will lunge at the backdoor and come back inside with me or stand on the patio and bark loudly and persistently.

If John calls her inside to the garage, but she can see me through the window: she won't go to the other door until I fake her out by acting like I'm going into the garage to get her. Of course, when she doesn't find me in the garage she gets a little grumpy. 

If Charli is not hungry but has been given her food: she will share. If she is hungry but is refusing to eat because she hasn't gone on her daily walk yet, she will drive anyone and everyone away from her bowl. 

Charli has learned to get pretty much everything she wants and then some. Sure, some of the habits are things we aren't proud of. But, ultimately, we make a pretty good team. 

So, this year, Charli and me needed a new tradition. I mean, it's 2020 which has been filled with craziness, staying home, and a bit of grief and sadness. Since I am currently and temporarily working from home, we spend a lot of time in my office between work, school, and teaching. It only made sense to bring our new tradition and some Christmas joy into the office. 

In addition to our little tree, we've got a pine scented candle, and Charli's advent calendar--our new tradition. Technically, the cookies don't fit in the drawers but we improvise and pull each day's treat out of a bag like a grab bag. On any day, she could get a Christmas tree, bone, or gingerbread man. Most days, we split the cookie between all the dogs which is much easier on days when they get a bigger cookie! 

I'm certain that me telling the Target cashier that the advent calendar was for my dog embarrassed the heck out of John. But, I'm really glad I didn't let his jokes stop me because having a new cookie routine has been silly and fun. If we remove all holiday silliness from our lives, what will be left besides our traditional ugly Christmas stocking exchange? 

All that to say, I might have created a spoiled, sassy monster but she sure has brought so much joy to our lives. I'll hang out with my monster any day!