Little Bit

R.e.s.p.e.c.t. Find out what it means to her.

I was listening to Kelly Clarkson belt out Aretha's "Respect" on the radio the other day and found it ironic that "little bit" is my pet name for Tally (appropriate, you see, because Tally is my pet and she is little) and her personality is filled with the soul captured in that song. The dog commands respect.

You have to when you're a mere 4 pounds.

Unfortunately here lately, she's developed a pattern of demanding respect. And she goes about it in the schrillest of little barks. Or, as mother so loving puts it, "yappin.'" So not only does the dog reach a pitch that should not be wished upon even the meanest of intruders, there is mom quickly following with a deep and authoritative "you better quit that yappin!" It usually works. For that time.

So. She may look sweet, playing in the grass

and with babies

(and basically with anything she can find to play with--including a few of my unmentionables, because when she's in my room and you tell her to "go get a toy," my bra apparently fits the bill)

and cuddling in the lap of anyone with a blanket,

she is a pistol.

A fireball. She can win at fetch. Something I never considered-- fetch having a win or lose. But honestly, she will play all night long. If you don't reach for the toy, she will lay it next to your feet. Then jump on the couch and lay it on your lap. Then on your chest. Then she will get on your chest. Then gently paw at your face. Then lick you incessantly. Until you either give and and throw it again or give up the game by saying "Tally, leave it." At which point you have lost fetch. And you feel like a failure because your 4 pound dog just beat you at something.

Energy personified.

Or dogified.

I don't say that to be corny. I say it because for my mother's sake the distinction must remain clear. Even though she's the one buying sweaters for the dog.

I'm just sayin'.

So while we may call her by "precious little" or "little bit," please do not be fooled. You do NOT want to find out what respect means to her. She will cut you.

Or else she will just yap at you and scamper off.

She is only 4 pounds you know.

"Justa, justa, justa, justa... just a little bit."