Losing The Dogs

I used to be under the impression that rescue dogs were generally grateful and appreciative overall because on some level they are aware that they were "rescued" from a worse situation. My rescue dog is an aberration because he has a sense of entitlement that would make one think he is completely unaware that I did him a favor. Right now he keeps rubbing his nose on my arm to disrupt my typing so I'll pay attention to him. And there he goes to lie on the couch where he's going to pout at me.

Well, sometimes I give into his ploys. Look at those eyes. I'm not made of stone. That was the case yesterday when he interrupted me to take him to the dog park up the street.

For the past few days there have been temporary no parking signs on the street for Monday and Tuesday. I thought for sure it was because they were filming a movie or television show. When we got to park the adjacent parking lot was empty and the dog park was locked shut. Jack just thought that I was being mean, as if I would expend the energy to walk up the street just to tease him. I could do that on the couch. Stupid dog. So I began pulling him home as he strained against me with his nails scraping across the pavement.

Knowing that the dog park was closed, earlier today I decided to work off some of his annoying energy with a walk around the neighborhood. As I got ready to take him, I heard some ruckus outside, but did not think much of it until I got out to the street and saw the familiar lack of traffic with motorcycle cops interspersed down the way. We just done had a motorcade come through.

It was a flight plan first used during the W Administration. The helicopters would land in the soccer field adjacent to Jack's beloved park. From there the president and entourage would get in their vehicles and roll down Barrington Ave. So much for Hope and Change. I was hoping they would change travel plans when Obama became president. I must admit, it is cool to have the president roll down your street, but not when you're out running errands and you can't get home because your street is blocked off.

And now Jack knows the inconvenience of having the president visit your part of town. I don't have the heart to tell him the park won't open until after Obama leaves tomorrow. If Jack remembers this it may be an issue in 2012. I tell myself now that I'm in control and I'll vote for whomever I prefer, but if Jack looks at me with those eyes on election day, I may have to pull the lever for Sarah Palin.