Doggie Dilemmas

I seriously think that my dog is depressed. I don't know what else to call it. Despite the fact that she is an outstanding dog, her fabulous bloodlines appear tainted at times...you see, as a German Shepherd breed, her ears are guaranteed to be up, pointy and, you know, German Shepherd- looking. But frequently (and recently, all the time) only one ear is pointy and the other ear just flops down to the side. It makes her look kind of sad, or even like (should I say it?)...a mutt.

I must first say, that Katie is an outstanding dog, bred for good looks and temperament. She is beautiful, and extremely obedient. She understands her masters and will do whatever we say (she even obeys the 3 year old). "Come here, sit, lay down, go away, stop sniffing me!, etc" She is the most obedient dog I've seen (for as little training as we are able to put into her). In addition, she keeps us active. We are never at a loss for things to do, because she drags so much dirt and hair around the house, that dusting and vacuuming have become a daily chore. Also, we are constantly seeking ways to keep her entertained. She loves to play tag and hide-n-seek in the house. And she can demolish $20 worth of doggie toys in less than 10 minutes (I'm totally serious about that). No rubber or stuffed toy is safe. And, the girl is a serious food disposal---she can tear up hock bones, deer meat, and fresh salmon faster than you can blink.

Back to the point, Katie's ears are the topic of frequent conversation around here. "Gee girl, get your ears up, you look like a sissy." or "Aww look, her ears are down. Is she exhausted?" and just recently, "I totally think that she is sad, the one ear is just droopy all the time." On a walk, it is just plain embarrassing if your GSD has sloppy ears!

It seems very odd that with so many other pressing topics to discuss, we will mope around and lament about a dog's ears. However, just like anything amiss with your own children, you worry about your dog and if something is wrong. No one else will understand this of course, because just like your children, no one else can comprehend or love them like you do.

As a plus, she does have a written "guarantee" that her ears will be up by a certain age. Jason teased her last night and told her we wanted our money back....poor girl, I'm sure she was totally insulted. I thought about that and how ridiculous it is....that you would take an animal into your family, let her sleep at your feet, eat from your plate, allow her to protect your butt, and then say "no good, I'd like a refund please." It's ludicrous...we would never return her!

Last night, it became so distressing (the floppy ear) that we began to google solutions to her auricle (you can fix it you know, with a bit of masking tape and a spongy pink curler). It seems simple enough. Insert the pink spongy curler into the ear so that it stands upright, then tape it up....I just can't see how she would tolerate that. And instead of a nice pointy ear, I would find the pink blob shredded to bits around the house.

This morning however, I was relieved to see that both ears were up (and for a long time). After romping and sprinting through the icy backyard like a crazed beast, she came in, ears up and pointy, ready for the world. Thus, my theory....she is depressed by this winter weather and is longing for the green and outdoor activities of Spring...sick of being cooped up in this house and was refreshed this morning to hear the birds singing their spring-like song.

So, I will save the worrying for another day and test this theory. By the end of April, if the floppy ear isn't 100% perfect, out comes the spongy pink curler! I feel your pain pup, I am yearning for the sun to warm my skin and the earth to give forth new life. Soon, we will run and play in the fresh green grass. Don't worry Katie-girl, floppy ear or not, you are ours forever...guarantees are crazy...nothing in life can be guaranteed.