Thursday, July 19, 2007

Oh, the Shame...

Ume tagged us to tell an embarrassing Charlie encounter. Strangely, this is kind of hard to do. Not much embarrasses Charlie. And I tend to find his awkward moments more amusing than embarrassing. But here goes...

Charlie has always been afraid to walk too far from the house in the neighborhood with me. It was true in the old house in California and it's been true here in Portland, too.

As we walk down the sidewalk, he constantly glances back, as if to assure himself he can get home. And at some point, usually suddenly and often dramatically, he freaks! It could be a dog barking in a house, or a loud truck, or a distant sound of remodeling; sometimes it happens for no apparent reason. It could be 2 blocks from home or it could be 1/2 block. But suddenly Charlie tucks his tail and cowers, pathetically straining at the leash to crawl home.

I find myself embarrassedly trying to explain the situation to passersby so they won't think I've been mistreating him. And I swear I haven't! Unless excessive hugging and a tendency to be a little heavy-handed with the dog treats qualifies. To that, I plead guilty!

9 comments:

Vicky said...

Hi Charlie,
Just called by to say thanks for barking at me.
I have a fear too, since I was poorly earlier this year, I don't like going into the garden on my own at night and I can't bring myself to tell my mum why.

Lizzy said...

Charlie, you should just enjoy walks and chase the squirrels and mark the trees instead of looking back and trying to get home. Just ignore the noises around you! Enjoy yourself! Walks are so much fun!

Sparky

Lorenza said...

Hi, Charlie.
Like Sparky said, enjoy your walkies and forget about all the sounds surrounding you. I would be afraid if my mom weren't with me, but she is always besides me!
Have a good night
Lorenza

Amber-Mae said...

Oh Charlie, you should be a man... I'm not scared when I go for walkies infact, I go berserk once I see my mommy holding the leash or going to open the main gate. Just enjoy your walks... It's a lot of fun just like other said!

Love licks,
Solid Gold Dancer

Kien said...

Hi Charlie... i am so much like u.. so dun worry.. u have a gang here ...

Love
Golden Rossi

Peanut said...

Charlie you are missing out on walks by wanting to go home so early.

Hammer said...

Hi Charlie

My mum said to tell you you're wise to be like this.

I'm the opposite which is why my mum has to keep me on a lead when we're away from home most of the time. I put my head down, bum up and I take off. I don't understand I can get hurt. My brother, Beau is the same .. well, he used to be the same.

Love from Hammer

The Airechicks said...

Charlie -

Just stay close to Mom on the walks she would NEVER let anything or anyone scare or hurt you...

Tell Mom to start giving out the treats....or maybe bring your favorite toy to put your mind at rest.....

Ume said...

hi Charlie,
walkies r great!
the airechicks r rite... stay close to your Mom if u r afraid, she will oways be there to pawtect u.