"Notes on the Creatures," or, as when I was in graduate school taking a weekend break from studying and writing papers, "Creature Features." A local TV channel in Athens, Ohio used to show two horror films after the late news on Friday night and two on Saturday night. Frequently we would gather and indulge ourselves at my small apartment. My parents had given me a small TV for Christmas my second year in school. They were very good parents!
Creature Features it is. Early this morning as I was making my way to the bedroom (5 a.m.), I received a pleasant, somewhat shockingj surprise. Skittish little Schuster was lying on the bed, stretched out next to Mary. Another little Schuster first. He had never slept with us before, yet there he was, eyes open and watching me. I reached across the bed to pet him, and he immediately rolled a little to one side so I could reach his belly for a belly rub. The little monster does not miss a trick. Of course I gave him a middle-of-the-morning belly rub. He stayed on the bed while I brushed my teeth, etc. and was still there when I came back. He stayed there while I turned the covers back and struggled my way onto the mattress; once in the bed I reached over, patted his butt twice and passed out. It was 5:43 a.m. She, my wife, and he, little Schuster, were gone when I awoke for the first time around 8:33 a.m.
I would tell you about Simon's midnight behavior, but Simon simply buries himself on the living room sofa under a blanket and sleeps soundly through the night, though when I approach to say good night, he too will make his tummy available for a belly rub. Who could refuse a little dachshund's late night request? Obviously not me.
Only one dog out of the pack is not afraid of a closed door. The master bedroom door sticks once it is fully closed. I have to push hard to open it. Frollie won't even enter that room through a slightly ajar door where all she would have to do was nudge it a bit. Dexter won't come anywhere near the master bath or the door, open or closed. My little buddy Simon likes to come in with me, but he too will not push a closed door open. He will scratch it, he will moan and whine outside it, but he will not push it.
You know who is left. I was taking a shower this afternoon, getting ready for, ahem, my hair appointment. The door was closed to keep the ambient warmth and steam in the room. I was soaping away when I heard this loud ripping, tearing sound. I looked around the shower curtain and saw Schuster's red head looking through the open door, up at me. Had I not been looking down at him, he probably would have grabbed a slipper and run (or ran). As it was he simply backed out leaving the door open. So much for steam and warmth. The little guy is fearless. Apparently.