LEADER OF THE LITTER

We recall that's how the breeder described our now 4 year old 2.7 pound Chihuahua; and she was indeed born to be a leader.

When I get upset with her leadership spirit it is my wife who always reminds me, "Hey, you're the one who picked her."

And, I was.

I still recall my foolish pronouncement to the breeder and my wife: "I want a dog with spirit."

And, I got one.

Wisely, and not unlike actress Butterfly McQueen's portrayal of maid Prissy in Gone With The Wind, we were in our 60's and not favorably disposed as to "the birthing of no babies" - particularly our own.

Despite this, we bought a dog that we insist on raising as a human being. The reviews of our own leadership decision are somewhat mixed at this point.

As the father of four, I seem to recall that I was a "take no prisoner" disciplinarian. It seemed to work with the kids, who all turned out great. However, it's a philosophy with Chihuahuas that may need a little tweaking.

Have you ever seen a dog pout?

It's not a pretty sight. The ears go back and there is a determination to resist anything that suggests a desire to look directly at you. You couldn't move that Chihuahua's head with a pair of vice grips.

Bathroom training is another example of her spirit.

"Bella",(our dog -not my wife) - was quicker than the kids to learn potty training. But, then again their Mom and I never thought of having the kids initially go on little white puppy pads that we carefully distributed throughout our home.

Mine & Phyl's mistake was in inviting Bella to explore the great outdoors for this potty task as she got older.

Now both of us, who are in our golden years, know that in any new surroundings the most important location to memorize is that of the bathroom. Our dog Bella has apparently not acquired that skill - nor really does she seem to care.

Bella, our version of our very own "Prissy" - disdains any target area close to the house. This is despite our dedicated mission to clean up after her with whatever is the doggy bag du jour.

She will field test several locations before finally setting on that which she has determined is "just right". When I rejoin my parenting role and dare to criticize her as being persnickedy - she closes up - literally - and refuses to do her business - "anywhere".

Back to the house she goes; pulling dramatically on her leash.

This in turn engenders even more foolhearty parenting by your friendly blogger.

The @#$%^&* spirited dog could hold it until the Pittsburgh Pirates next have a winning season.

The result is that neither of us will look directly at the other - for minutes - hours- or seemingly, generations.

That would have been fine with me in my past parenting years.I would have put her in time out.

Unfortunately, I'm not sure whether, just to make a fool of me, that wouldn't cause her to change her mind about her bathroom intentions . At that point I would be forced to hunt for her pee or poo in several isolated indoor locations; and my body no longer bends well.

So, I ask you gentle reader - who is winning here? "The disciplinarian" or "The Leader Of The Litter"?

To hell with spirit!