The Case of the Missing Mitts

We have a new addition to our family – Doogie McDougal, a black Scottish Terrier, also known as the Aberdeen Terrier, popularly called the Scottie (beam me up). He is a big dog in a little dog’s body and is full of vim and vigor. He stole our hearts one evening at a Dunedin Bluejays Bark in the Ballpark where the Dunedin Dog Rescue volunteers were socializing their foster dogs.

The description of the Scottie’s temperament on the AKC website says they are a determined and thoughtful dog. “They should exude ruggedness and power, living up to the nickname, the “Diehard.” Indeed, that would be Doogie, chaser of squirrels, lizards and beetle bugs. He loves his crate and will often thoughtfully go in on his own to nap throughout the day.

Yesterday, walking into the kitchen, I noticed an apron and dish cloth on the floor. I turned to look at the four dogs. Three were in their beds in the breezeway. Doogie was staring up at me just beyond the kitchen with a soulful “I-don’t-know-what-got-into-me” look in his eyes. Do you think the gentle scolding I gave him with a smile on my face sends a confusing message? That’s like asking “do I look fat in these jeans?” Don’t touch that question with a ten foot leash.

This morning, while making coffee, with all four dogs readying themselves to go outside, I noticed Doogie rustling around inside his crate. When I turned around, there he sat just outside his crate. Placed at his front paws were the two missing mitts or pot holders from the pantry. One had been partially devoured (no evidence of fuzz anywhere). His look was again soulful, but now he was the one with the smile on his face.

I cannot figure out what he was possibly thinking or doing. And since I am one of the biggest anthropomorphisers in the world, I began deducing his antics using human attributes (and a Sean Connery accent, of course): Let’s see. Was he guiltily presenting them to me (“oops, furrrgot ta tell ya about theeshh lash night”)? Or was it his good morning joke (“heh, heh, heh – werrre ya missin somethin from the pantrrree)?

Either way, it made for a funny scene and a great laugh. I know, I know…reinforcing bad behavior. I sense we’ll have more incidents like these.