On The Sick Pillow

Whatever the ailment might be, my oldies and I refer to it as being "on the sick pillow." The unwritten rules are:

You may (and are encouraged to) stay in bed.

Napping is mandatory.

You are allowed to choose the menu based on what sounds good and what you think your stomach will tolerate.

All household chores are removed from duty; you have no duties.

You get the television remote.

Ice cream is encouraged -- you must keep up your strength!

You may bathe but then it's fresh pjs and right back in bed.

You get to decide if the house is too warm or too cold.

People must come to you instead of you getting up and walking to them.

My father has been on the sick pillow since Saturday afternoon. All rules are in full force. My mother is a little suspicious that he enjoys being on the sick pillow and might milk it a bit. I don't know if he enjoys it but two little dogs are reveling in it.

Trying to Be Tough

Yes, this is how we amuse ourselves. We force three helpless animals to pose together for their Christmas photo. Gabby, my black lab, thinks life is a big game and she would've participated for hours. Harriett can't decide if she trusts Gabby or not but she seeks her out more and more. They never growl or bark at each other.

Ashley the biter thinks that she is Queen of the manor. She runs under furniture or tries to commit suicide by jumping off the bed if she sees Gabby headed her way. She can bark herself hoarse. It must be a little demeaning to demand respect as top dog when you're wearing a diaper.

Please note that Gabby is the dog in this household who does not have a wardrobe.