For the last three days, poor Ollie has been discombobulated. When the painter arrived early on Monday morning, as far as my dog was concerned, he was just a guest, and a potential playmate. He wagged his tail enthusiastically, and brought his most treasured toy, a tattered and smelly stuffed lion. But there was no time for play, as much work needed to be done.
Living in a one-level bungalow, there is no escape from having to go in and out of the two small hallways. We did our best, by leaving one of them free, which meant I was exiled from the small office room. But the other hallway is essential for access to both bathroom and kitchen, so disturbance of the tradesman was inevitable.
But worst of all, Ollie’s habit of following me around had to be curtailed. He could not understand why he wasn’t allowed to accompany me into the kitchen or bedroom, and why he was not allowed to lay down against the freshly-painted skirting boards. Much of the day was spent telling him to ‘Lie down’, ‘Stay’, or ‘Move’. He just didn’t understand what he was doing wrong, and took it as if he was being scolded for something. The sorrowful expression on his wrinkled face was painful to behold.
By yesterday afternoon, as all seven doors were in the process of being painted, the area available to the distressed dog had been reduced to not much more than twice his own size. Refusing to rest, he just stood staring at me, wondering why I wouldn’t throw his toys, or play tug-of-war with them. Even extra strokes and fuss couldn’t shake his gloomy mood. Once the painter had finished, and left for the day, Ollie naturally presumed that he would be granted his usual freedom to roam. But no. We had seven wet doors and some skirting boards to contend with, and he could not be allowed to brush past them, or lean against them.
I took him out to the kitchen for his dinner, shepherding him carefully past the wet paint. When he had eaten, he expected his evening play as usual. But once again, I had to disappoint him, as I could not risk him swiping one of his large stuffed toys across the fresh paint. His gloomy visage returned, and he slumped down on his rug with an audible sigh. I felt so guilty, and wished he could understand it was only temporary. But he couldn’t of course, and spent the evening stressed, and unable to relax, constantly seeking reassurance.
Today, we have no work going on. Ollie has crashed out, fast asleep on his rug. He is catching up on all the rest he has lost over the last three days, and dreaming his canine dreams.
I dare not mention the carpet layers, who are arriving next week. I will let him rest for now.
Poor Ollie! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
He was upset, Kerin. But he is happier today, after a big walk.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
Poor Ollie! This is of course an unavoidable situation. And the carpet people are next? Mum’s the word. Wait, it just occurred to me that mum in England means mom. In America is means silent or mute. So I mean to be mum to Ollie. And give him a big pat for me. Best to you, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We also say ‘Mum’s the word’ for silence, Jennie. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Good to know. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am completely impressed that you kept him away from wet paint. No dog of ours has ever made it through without patches of wet paint on her fur. As for the carpet, at least he can lie down on it without getting it on him.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It was hard to keep him away from the paint, Elizabeth. But we managed it, although it stressed him out. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh dear, Pete, I do feel sorry for Ollie. I hope it is not for to much longer.
LikeLiked by 1 person
On and off through the early summer, Robbie, as we try to get the house finished in decent weather.
He has had a good playtime this evening. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So sad, Pete…he just wanted to have a fun day and couldn’t understand why he couldn’t…nice story
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, John. Disruption really affects him, unfortunately.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
My dogs, Chaka and Moxie, and my cats, too, hate change. They are suspicious of new table, chair or rug. They don’t like us to pack our luggage and are hostile when we have company. They are perfectly content with the status quo and wouldn’t mind if our house crumples as long as their corner and bedding stays intact. That’s all well and good and amusing–they are animals. What’s not so funny? I’m becoming more like them as I grow older.
Delightful post, Pete.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Pam. I agree that I am also becoming resistant to disruption and change as I get older. Perhaps Ollie senses that from me. Like your dogs and cats, he also hates me to pack a bag, or clear out a cupboard. But he loves to have callers and guests at the house. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can understand Ollie’s confusion for MoMo must be near me at all times unless she is pouting……LOL Is Ollie better now? chuq
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s very tired, chuq. Three days without sitting down, except at bedtime. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL…..worry about stuff he cannot see….let him rest…..chuq
LikeLiked by 1 person
Unbearably poignant. I grieve for Ollie. And maybe I grieve for me too….life’s playtime is often inexplicably curtailed….
LikeLiked by 1 person
His little face was a picture of sadness, Pippa.
Best wishes, Pete. x
LikeLike
Can’t bear it! Please give him some strokes from me. XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
Will do! x
LikeLike
Poor Ollie, routine gone to pot!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Routine is everything to him, Sue. It’s painful to watch him so concerned.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Send him some consoling pats from me
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s still asleep. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, OK
LikeLiked by 1 person
Maybe an option would have been to go on a three-day vacation somewhere nearby (relative’s house; coastal village, etc.), leaving the key to the house with the painter?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Julie had work on Wednesday, and couldn’t get time off. But we could trust him with a key in future, I’m sure.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Ollie. Once things are back to normal, he will be fine. One great thing about dogs, they love you no matter what. He’ll be twice as happy on the day his play time returns.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Ron. It is just a shame that we couldn’t have everything done at once. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
Oh poor boy! Once things are back to normal for good all will be forgiven and forgotten. If only they understood our explanations in the meantime!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, he has a ‘goldfish memory’ for changes to routine. I just wish it didn’t upset him so much at the time. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Ollie!😔
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s happier today, Kim. Until next time… 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
poor Ollie! soon all is back to normal with a freshly renovated home! happy Easter Pete! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Wilma. I’m not doing anything special, but at least the weather is cooperating. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Ollie, but now things will be better = regular routine again. Give hin a nice pat an a scratch behind his ears, please.
Happy Easter to y’alls.
Pit
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks, Pit. I hope that you and your family have an enjoyable holiday.
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
🙂
LikeLike
Poor Ollie.
They do so hate change to routine.
Campbell always brings his toys out when maintenance guys come to the house.
I remember once someone came to do some plumbing work, and he went dashing down the hall after them with his most favorite toy clamped firmly in his jaws.
They guy was so moved when I told him Campbell had brought out a toy which he normally only played with me with that he took a moment to play fetch with him before he began.
When he did begin work, Campbell lay watching as he worke. After all he had to watch out for that large water bowl.
I so do love Ollie stories, and since for whatever reason the reblog button is not working for me these days I am going to post this onto my Campbell’s Rambles FB page.
Oh, Shhhh Campbell do not tell Ollie about the carpet guys coming. He musten’t know. It will surely have him upset.
Do let us know how that goes.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Patty. Seems like Campbell and Ollie are on the same page with toys! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
Sure thing.
Have a great weekend.
LikeLiked by 1 person
The dour expressions pull at your heartstrings. With the carpet laying next week, that will be a new set of expressions for you to contend with. Soon it will be all over and the facelift will cheer all your moods.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Cindy. I might have to keep him out when the carpet men are here. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete. x
LikeLike
Oh, boy. Will he bark at you incessently to come in? Maybe you and Ollie should disappear for a couple days on a walking holiday. 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
No I would be out with him, Cindy. Going away might be nice, but then who would let them in? Julie might be at work. 🙂 x
LikeLike
Well, you will sort it out. X
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Ollie, you’ll have a lovely abode once painting is done.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, Ollie has more upheaval to face, Arlene. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor guy.
LikeLiked by 1 person
If only he could understand, GP. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Needs extra attention from you to compensate.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes home make-overs are always best done in-between pets! Hugs to Ollie XX
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would send him on a ‘holiday’, FR. But he would likely see that as punishment too. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love it when animals act like humans. Ollie sounds adorable.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He is a lot like a toddler in many ways, Alex. He loves routine, and cannot tolerate disturbance. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Ollie. I hope the paint dries quickly and his usual routine can be resumed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
He’s back to normal this morning, but worn out by his stress yesterday. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor Ollie indeed…
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, Jack. I reckon he needs a holiday. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Poor old Ollie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
He does so hate any changes to his routine, Maddy. First we had the painter, then the new windows, then the painter again, and the carpets are on the horizon, followed by more painting in June. I think he is going to need Prozac! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
LikeLike
He’ll need a trip to a pet therapist after all that LOL.
LikeLiked by 1 person