Comments from the canyons: Sometimes it's hard to discipline a pet

Several friends have asked about Prissy, the large black lab, who lives on this corner.

They have mentioned seeing her with me in the car and have said that she sits taller than I as she directs traffic from the passenger's seat. She also greets people from the backyard by placing her paws on the fence and barking at anyone in her line of vision.

She tries very hard to be seen and heard. She likes to be admired and is eager to make new friends as we wander around the area. She really is one of the friendliest dogs I have ever taken orders from, but she lets me know she is also one of the most protective.

Not long ago, I wrote about some of the limited manners we notice as we watch young children in restaurants. Well, Prissy decided to see how much attention she could attract during a visit to receive her shots from Dr. Corey. Of course, she led me into the waiting room and was quite put out because we were the only ones there for a few minutes. She just sat quietly until other people and their pets began to arrive, and then she began to show off. She had to do a lot of whining in greeting to each new arrival and wanted to dash right to them to see what news they might have.

We had a little conversation about her behavior as I tightened my grip on her collar and leash, but she was on a tear and wasn't about to hear any word I might utter, especially if it sounded like "no."

She was worse than most children I have seen in the tantrum stage and wasn't interested in using any manners she sometimes uses at home. She even fell on her back, put her paws in the air, and looked totally untrained. She surely made me feel proud to be her slave.

She became reasonably calm when we went into receive her shots, but even then she had to misbehave a bit just to show she was going to be in charge of the situation. I could have wrestled a milk pen calf to the ground more easily than I could get her to behave as if she had some training. I am sure all clients, patients, and Dr. Corey were just as delighted as I when we dashed out the door and fled to the car!

Prissy has learned a lot about the country since she has moved to this corner and surely looks forward to our Sunday drives and walks. She has also learned more than she wanted to about our high winds. On a couple of occasions of late, we have walked only a block or two before she has looked back at me as if to question my sanity for asking her to step out of the car in such weather. I certainly haven't had to tighten the leash to head her back to the car.

Those of us who love animals put up with their antics sometimes when we should discipline them instead; however 'tis hard to become stern when I am laughing. Let's just enjoy our pets and have fun each day.

Lynn Moncus is a Tucumcari resident and can be contacted through the Quay County Sun by calling 575-461-1952.