The Shamus Chronicles: The Evening Ritual

by Betty Poole

At last Shamus has me trained to his complicated evening routine.

Since he gets his dinner at 3 p.m. he has developed a mild appetite by 6 o'clock, which is my dinnertime. Being such a people-dog, he has, as a result, a very definite interest in and taste for people-food. It is therefore necessary for me to leave a small portion of my dinner on my plate so that Shamus can satisfy his taste and curiosity.

He enjoys anything and everything--right down to carrots, squash and pickled beets. From time to time, rather than risk his ire by forgetting to leave his portion, I go hungry and have to satisfy my appetite with dessert. Luckily Shamus has no interest in dessert.

As soon as Shamus has demolished his tid-bit he asks me to let him go outside. I am not sure why he finds this trip necessary--but out he goes, usually asking back in within ten minutes or so.

Around 7 o'clock he comes to my chair and stares fixedly at me until I notice him. Even when I am deep in a book, the concentration of his gaze penetrates my consciousness and I turn to him. It is now time for a bit of a rough-and-tumble complete with pseudo growls and baring of teeth--all pretend, of course. After a final reassuring cuddle he settles down.

At 9 o'clock he rises from his rug and looks fixedly again, licking his chops. This is the reminder that, as with Winnie-the-Pooh, it is time for a little taste of something before bedtime. A couple of small dog biscuits fill the bill.

Together, we watch the 10 o'clock news...and so to bed.