The Joy of Pets (and other ramblings)

Sometimes I think that I love my dog too much (not in a creepy-Internet way). I was hoping to get away for a couple of days before school starts to just relax a little. I found the perfect retreat cottages- set in the woods, no phone, no tv, perfect. I was getting very excited at the prospect- they are near the Tibetan Cultural Center in Bloomington, IN, which I've long wanted to visit, and no one I know could disturb my peace and quiet. I was planning on just taking off, so no one would try to talk me out of it, or remind me that I hadn't been camping, or even hiking in the woods since I saw the Blair Witch Project. Happy in my image of meditating at sunrise, then walking with the dog through the woods; back to the cabin for lunch, then afternoon meditation at the Center. Maybe I'd take a book and just read until I fell asleep- oh, the joy of being pressure-free! Then, last night, I received an email from the Center that pets were not allowed! WTF? So, I pondered for about a minute and a half before I cancelled my reservation- if they won't let Baxter into their woods, who needs them? I'll never understand why places will let people bring their screaming, out of control kids, but I can't bring my sweet, well-mannered pup? *Note: I do not think that all little kids are screaming and out of control, just the ones who annoy me, so if you have kids that have some form of self-restraint while in public, please do not feel that was aimed at you*

For example, I was at the pet store over the weekend. I wanted to see if they had a turtle because I want to get a class pet, I've had boxturtles before, and they're great pets. There were two separate families there, the first, I'll call the Pleasant family. Dad and two kids- boy around 8, girl around 6. The Pleasant children were thrilled to be looking at the pets and excitedly chattered to each other and their dad. I arrived after them, so I stood back, allowing them to view the pets and waiting my turn. The little boy turned to me and said, "look at this lizzard, it's really cool", and allowed me to view. GOOD KIDS.

Family two, we'll call the Evil family. The Evils consisted of Mom, Dad, two boys (7&8?) and a girl (3 ish). The Evils came up after the Pleasants had left, and while I was looking at the turtles (which both had serious eye conditions). The Evil children actually tried to shove me to see what was in the cage. I looked at the oldest one and told him I would be done in a minute. He shoved harder and said, "Moooooove". I locked my knees and refused to budge (not an easy task, he was a strong little bastard). I look over at his mom, who laughs and actually said, "he knows what he wants!". I gave her the disgusted look and said, "meanwhile the rest of the world just wants him to go away", smiled and walked away. DEMON BEASTS