What Else is Computer Time for?

Humans are so predictable. Every morning, after mom has left the house (still not sure where she goes 5 days out of 7 and why she refuses to take me with her even when I am obviously wanting to go), grandma goes into a room, sits down and stares at a screen. It isn't even interesting like the other big screen in the room, where I often see other dogs, cats, people running, making funny noises - now that gets my attention. In fact, I can't quite figure out where those dogs go when they leave the screen. It is like magic - I mean one moment they are there, the next moment they are gone. I have searched behind it, out the window (perhaps they left the house entirely), but they just vanish - amazing. But I digress.

Now I know from experience that Grandma likes to hand out cookies. The trick is figuring out a way to get her to do it, and do it more often. I figure she can't really see me from the floor, I mean I know I am smaller than the other dogs in the house. Wait a minute, that dog crate will put me right at eye level. Perfect - on the chair up on to the top of the crate - Bingo - first cookie delivered. She didn't even have to get out of the chair - just wheel back a bit and hand me the cookie. I have been doing this every day now for a while. Most mornings I beat Grandma to the room with the funny screen. Sometimes I get tired of waiting and have to go remind her of our routine. I have noticed however, that the treats are starting to dry up a bit. Grandma is getting stingy. Guess I will have to up my game. I tried giving her a good head flick as a bit of nudge. I can't really tell her as I have found out that barking gets me nothing. I was about to give up on the flicking my head about (begining to feel a bit silly really), when she finally got what I was after and handed me a treat. In fact she seemed very excited about it - saying that all powerful 'yes' word. So why not try it again - yep just as I figured - worked like a charm. Now I have her number...just flick the head and treats appear. Woo Hoo...silly humans.

Flash forward a few months and suddenly the head flicks aren't working much any more. Time to change things up. Perhaps Grandma's arm was getting tired having to reach back to the crate to hand me those treats. I mean they must be tired as I see her fingers moving constantly while she sits there. So to make it easier for her (I am nothing if not considerate of my humans), I decided I would just get on the chair with her. This proved to be a bit of a challenge, but hey I am a bully and when we set our mind to something there is no stopping us. On to the footstool...now keep in mind this was no easy trick as it moves back and forth when you stand on it...but I managed. Now the chair....hmmmm. doesn't seem to be room on her lap...what to do. I know, there appears to be space between her back and the back of the chair. Perfect - now reach out gingerly from the footstool - careful girl - this will take some concentration as that darn footstool won't stay still. Almost there....got it. On the chair behind grandma's back and the back of the chair. Make sure to flash that adoring smile at her. Yippee treats again. See Grandma, you don't even need to move anymore.

Boy she stares at that screen a long time...guess I'll just close my eyes. Kind of comfortable here...nap time.