Stay Off the Bed!

We've had a bit of a problem ever since Fergi's surgery.

It has really been the only problem.

But it is a persistent one.

You see, the big bed in Mom's room is Fergi's "safe spot."

It is the one place she feels unthreatened.

It is the one place the people can walk up to her and pet her.

It is the one place that Mom can reliably put on her harness or pick her up.

It is the place she goes (and freely and spontaneously leaps up)

not just to go to bed,

but to rest, to relax

and to get away from all the activity that she wants to escape 

(not that I ever cause any commotion or that the people get wild or crazy.) 

Fergi figured that place out for herself.

We figure it is because she has never ever had a bad experience on a big bed.

That's the only thing we can think of.

Anyway, since she's got about 20 stitches in her belly

(on the outside)

and probably nearly that many on the inside,

the vet-man said she shouldn't be jumping up and jumping down off the bed.

Well, guess what she did within moments of being home from the hospital?

Yep. You got it. Up she jumped.

(Mom's heart was in her throat.)

So, here is the bed.

It is tall.

And Fergi is quite small.

Especially compared to the bed.

So, good big brother that I am,

I'm determined to try to help her understand the new rules.

I checked out the bed and considered my approach.

I looked to see if there was some sort of Higher Being that could help in the matter.

Fergi watched.

I decided, ultimately, I was going to have to simply lecture her.

She listened, but I don't think she processed (or cared) what I was talking about.

"You CAN'T get up here for a while, Fergi."

"It's not safe."

"You MUST stay down."

"But, Fergi, there is something else you need to know."

"Just because you can't jump up here doesn't mean neither can I."

"The rules are different for you."

"I can. You can't."

"Watch."

"I can jump up here over and over, as many times as I wish."

"See?"

"And soon you'll be able to jump up here again."

Unfortunately, Fergi quit listening and walked away.

She went and lay by the deck door, near the laptop.

I heard her mumbling that she has a lot of friends that understand

and are gently encouraging her to be safe.

She'll listen to them.

Maybe.

But Fergi is a strong willed girl and one tough cookie.

When it comes down to it, she'll get up on the bed whenever she can sneak the chance.

(And try to be very careful in the process.)

After all, it is the humine's job to keep the door shut.