Kill the Squeaker, Kill the Toy

     Christmas is moving ever closer, and although my gifts for the dogs are bought, they have yet to be wrapped. I've delayed that task for fear that the sight of a wrapped package may be too much of a temptation to the four-leggers. I do know that an accidental sound from the squeaker in an unattended package would set the dogs in a curious frenzy. It is a priority that each toy I purchase has a squeaker inside and be in working order―even knowing that the toy will be quickly dismantled by the eager four-leggers.

     Whitney and Stanley have a tag team routine they do with each new toy. At the sound of a squeaker both dogs quickly race to the sound. Whitney dominates and takes control of the new toy. A few squeaks and she wildly shakes and slaps it back and forth on the floor, snarling with each shake. Stanley, keeping a safe distance away during her frenzy, patiently awaits his turn with the new menace.

     If Whitney should tire and temporarily walk away from the toy before she has killed the squeaker, Stanley will step in to help with the ‘kill’. However, he quickly realizes that this was a wrong move on his part.

     In Whitney’s mind that toy is hers and hers alone, until that squeaker is dead. By just the look in her eyes, Stanley understands they have to play by her rules. He steps aside while she moves in and reclaims the toy. To bide his time, he patiently will move on to something else, knowing that in the end he will get this toy back.

     Killing the squeaker may happen quickly or it may take a few days―that is part of the enjoyment of the game for these two. When Whitney is sure the squeaker is dead, she walks away and waits for Stanley to move in for the final kill.

     At the start of the final kill, he first bites off any eyes on the toy that might be watching him. Next, in search of the dead squeaker, he will tear a hole in the toy. Once the squeaker is removed, he proceeds to destroy the once menacing object. The final step in the kill is quite comical to watch as the stuffing from the toy flies through the air.

     When the tag team ‘kill’ is over, the two now have a new floppy rag toy. They’re both proud of their accomplishment, and together they will share this new found toy for many months to come.

     So if that new Christmas toy is torn open during your pet’s search for the squeaker, don’t be angry. Just sit back and enjoy the entertainment your four-legger is providing.

     So long, I’ll see you soon!