Kitchen Dane
I think it was Kelly who mentioned the other day that she hadn’t seen any shots of our ludicrous house dog, Axel Rose the Great Dane, lately. And I realised how remiss I have been in keeping you up-to-date on his progress since this little operation. And when I say progress…
Well, our loveable, overgrown canine is definitely still around – two stone lighter, but not yet the lazy, laid-back pooch that I had hoped that particular surgery might help reveal. If anyone remembers out amazing FIRST Dane, Cosmo, they will know how sweet and gentle a soul he was. Axel is still busy bouncing a lot, occasionally taking up a lot of floor space, but mostly annoying my Dad whenever he walks in the gate.
Why is it that animals are naturally attracted to the person who least likes them?
Seriously, Axel will be happily napping on a sunny porch bothering no-one… until Dad drives over the front grid.
Then he is all BOUNCE, BOUNCE, BOUNCE!!!
Gallop, gallop,GALLOP…
And with tongue lolling out in an impossible-to-ignore grin he will nearly knock Dad over in his enthusiasm to make a friend who cannot stand a bar of him. (Dad just doesn’t get housedogs. And ENORMOUS housedogs… who are ALLOWED INSIDE THE ACTUAL HOUSE… utterly unthinkable.*sigh*)
It’s actually pretty funny (to everyone except Dad and Axel).
Axel really likes to be near his ‘Mum’. That’s me. Of course, this is his REAL mum (Good Gracious – check out that post – we’ve had this guy over two years now) but he reckons I am a pretty good stand-in as I feed him the most regularly, let him lie on my feet while at the computer or watching telly, and I yell at him the least.
Except when he decides to ‘check out’ the kitchen benches…
Luckily he is not that into raw salted eggplant!
Actually, he has never EVER taken anything from the benches, despite being able to easily reach it if he wanted.
And he DROPS on command when he is caught trying to sniff something good – his tactic is to look mournfully at me in the hope of a snack (always given AWAY from the kitchen at his outside feed bowl.)
I usually resist, but this look…
… it tests my resolve fairly thoroughly.
I am such a sucker for floppy ears and droopy eyes.
(Is that why I always favoured Andrew Ridgely over George Michael? Please tell me you know who I am talking about…)
So there you go Kelly. (And Bossy.) Your Axel update.
Anyone else wanting an update on their favourite Granite Glen character?
Suggest away in comments.
🙂
BB
13 Comments
Andrew
Well, you would have been barking up the wrong tree with George, but I don’t know about Andrew. But you are so right. Without fail pet dogs and cats focus on those who like them the least. They are not smart enough to take a word of advice about the futility of their friendship attempts and continue away unabashed. How shall I put it nicely? They also seem to focus their base animal desires upon those who reject them, especially their ankles. Perhaps in your dog’s case, somewhere a bit higher. Great aunts who dislike dogs seem to be extra attractive and exciting.
Bush Babe
Oh don’t get me wrong Andrew – I always wanted to DANCE with George! But it was Andrew Ridgely who made this (then) teenage chick sigh… thank goodness I have never had Axel demonstrate any ‘base’ activities on visitors. I doubt I would ever see the victim again…
🙂
BB
debby
Two stone lighter. HA!
I love the pictures of Axel. And (incidently) pictures of your kitchen. Question: salted eggplant ~ were you making moussaka?
Bush Babe recipe for what you do with salted eggplant, please!
Bill
BB, If you are in the mood for updates…what has Bella the wonder cow been up to? – I take it she didn’t get to make the USA trip.
Kelly
Thank you, thank you!! I thoroughly enjoyed these new photos of Axel!
Not only do I love dogs, I love BIG dogs and think they make much better housepets than little ones. My current inside girlies are both just over 50 pounds, but at one time we had two Rottweilers living in the house. And yes, they do always seem to know who likes them the least!
Impressive restraint on Axel’s part in the kitchen!
Nancy in Iowa
“2 stone lighter” – is that Aussie humor? Honestly, it cracked me up even though I know you use “stone” as a weight measure.
I was very glad to see Axel this morning. My family always had house dogs – big ones like German Shepherds. My sister has had 2 Rotties and now has a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog – usually inside. I’m in an apt. so I just live with a house cat these days.
Lynn
I also preferred Andrew to Michael. Never noticed that he had floppy ears though! 😉
Leenie
Floppy ears and droopy eyes look so endearing on a dane, or any kind of hound, and even on some rock stars. Mr. Rose looks like he’s recovered nicely from the extrication of the kiwi fruits and very ready to slobber down anyone who might reject him.
Bush Babe
Oh yes Leenie – all that and more! (Although not as much as hinted at by Andrew in comment one!)
🙂
BB
Mrs Catch
Axel is adorable. The way he is sitting so primly makes me laugh. Maxi’s fasting for the same “little operation” tomorrow. He’s happily oblivious. Just wondering why I haven’t fed him.
Ranch Girl
Too cute, thanks for sharing more about your beloved house dog! “Why is it that animals are naturally attracted to the person who least likes them?”- SO true!! Thanks for finding my FB page! I was so excited to get back in touch with you!! xo
jeanie
I have just one word for droopy eyes – Tears for Fears. Sah-woon…
You must also mention just how fantastically good he was with Paris when we were there last. Definitely growing up, your little boy.
gramps
A DOG’S PURPOSE
by W. Bruce Cameron
If you haven’t read it—YOU MUST!
It moved me incredibly. Maybe just because I love dogs, but I don’t think so.