Thursday, October 22, 2009

peeping Jackie

I adore going for walks in the evening. The fresh, crisp air on your face. The stillness in the air....and the glimpses into other people's lives through their open curtains. I always feel grateful yet sheepish when I pass an unclothed window. I try not to look. I try to 'mind my own business', but the curiousity nearly kills me.
I love looking into a cozy looking room and imagining sitting in the chair in the corner, curled up with a book. Or talking while washing dishes in front of the kitchen window with someone while they dry.
I am always sort of shocked when I see rooms where people are sitting in the dark with just the tv for lighting. I feel slightly dismayed when I see a room that isn't 'loved' or comfortable looking.
Tonight, I glanced into a window as I drove down the road and saw a toddler in a diaper dancing on the washing machine in front an adult who was dancing too. This quick glimpse filled me with joy and wondering. What were they dancing to? Is life in this household always so happy and carefree? Was the washer on??
It made me wonder what people must have thought yesterday when they looked through our front window to see a large white dog on his hind legs tearing down a pair of curtains, gnawing on the window latch and tearing the wood trim away. I'm sure I would have stopped and stared....maybe thrown a rock or two to see if he'd stop. Maybe I'd worry that this dog had some amount of intelligence, akin to Lassi, and was trying to warn others of impending danger or of a tragedy in action.
But, no. It was Fuckles. Destroying and maiming. Not some wonder dog about to save the world. Just one tweaked and depressed dog with serious issues with all openings to the outside world. What the HELL am I going to do with him????

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

Excuse me for laughing -- but this is a hilarous post. I have no advice on Fuckles. He is one messed up dog. Keep on.
Love,
Nan

Anonymous said...

I love the toddler washing machine dance!

And I am sorry about Fuckles. I wish I had an answer, but lacking that all that I can do is wish you all well. Including, of course, the problem dog himself.

Anonymous said...

I thought I was the only one who looked in people's windows and imagined living there....

Jenn said...

I am so surprised at your ability to keep him this long. Truly a loving (or is that insane?) person would keep a dog like him for so long...he would've already been given a new home if he were mine.

:0)

Anonymous said...

I've come across your blog from time to time. After reading your Fuckles posts, and having a bit of history with problem dogs and what fixes them, I wonder if Fuckles is getting enough exercise? A tired dog who is satisfied is not a dog who will destroy your house. Running in the backyard won't be enough...he needs real walks, good ones, he sounds like he's full of energy.

When we lived in Nanaimo we had UDOG work with our dog after we had aggression problems with him. They walk dogs, too. Maybe something like that would be good?

Good luck! :)

darcie said...

You are a better woman than I - I would NOT be able to keep Fuckles this long...not without overmedicating himself or myself...
And now, if you'll excuse me, I must go close my curtains for fear someone will look inside and see how really NOT together I am!
xoxo - much love Jackie!
Much much love.

leigh in the sav said...

i LOVE looking in people's windows. seriously!

i wish i had some advice for fuckles. the second anonymous might be on to something with the exercise. i had a white german shepherd that was more than a handful, and that is what was suggested to us. he soon got sick and passed, so i didn't really get a chance to try the methods, but a exhausting walk - or even - pulling a cart, also suggested to us! - may help get some energy out...