I sat staring at the rug for several seconds, not speaking. I reminded myself that I chose an apartment with carpet. I preferred an apartment with carpet. I argued with people over my choice for carpeting...and yet here I was, staring at the rug sorrowfully. I slowly scanned the different areas of the room, picking out pieces of the rug that needed to be vacuumed. At each speck or spot I'd have the same argument with myself...Is it easily noticeable? If someone stops by unexpectedly, will they see it? Can I cover it with something until later? Can it wait just one more week? And every single speck or spot I found myself coming to the same conclusion, just do it now and be done.
After staring for several more seconds, I turned and went to get the vacuum from the laundry room. I tried to remind myself as I walked of all the reasons I preferred carpet... It kept my feet warm in the winter. It was much easier than sweeping and mopping. I even felt a little relieved as I grabbed the vacuum and dragged it back out into the living ro
om. Vacuuming was so easy! Really, 15 minutes and I would be done. That wasn't so bad.
As I trudged back to the living room with the vacuum, I kept an eye out for Charlie. He was terrified of the vacuum. If he saw it, he would disappear under my head for hours and no amount of treats would convince him to come out, whether the vacuum was still out or not. Most likely, he'd stay there well into the night, not willing to risk being tricked into coming out early. It happened once before and he wasn't going to risk it again. He was going blind now though, and had to depend on sounds. On the carpet, the sound of the vacuum wasn't as easily discernible. This was going to be interesting.
As I plugged the vacuum into the wall, I watched as his head perked up. I was imagining his head scanning a million different scenarios, trying to connect the noises he was hearing with the actions it would become. His head still dipped slightly to the left, ears perked, so I don't think he realized yet it was the vacuum.
"You might want to go into the bedroom." I warned him. He just stared back, tipping his head in the opposite direction as I talked. As I straightened myself back up and set my hand on the ON button, I glanced once more at him, "I warned you," and flicked the button down.
After staring for several more seconds, I turned and went to get the vacuum from the laundry room. I tried to remind myself as I walked of all the reasons I preferred carpet... It kept my feet warm in the winter. It was much easier than sweeping and mopping. I even felt a little relieved as I grabbed the vacuum and dragged it back out into the living room. Vacuuming was so easy! Really, 15 minutes and I would be done. That wasn't so bad.
As I trudged back to the living room with the vacuum, I kept an eye out for Charlie. He was terrified of the vacuum. If he saw it, he would disappear under my head for hours and no amount of treats would convince him to come out, whether the vacuum was still out or not. Most likely, he'd stay there well into the night, not willing to risk being tricked into coming out early. It happened once before and he wasn't going to risk it again. He was going blind now though, and had to depend on sounds. On the carpet, the sound of the vacuum wasn't as easily discernible. This was going to be interesting.
As I plugged the vacuum into the wall, I watched as his head perked up. I was imagining his head scanning a million different scenarios, trying to connect the noises he was hearing with the actions it would become. His head still dipped slightly to the left, ears perked, so I don't think he realized yet it was the vacuum.
"You might want to go into the bedroom." I warned him. He just stared back, tipping his head in the opposite direction as I talked. As I straightened myself back up and set my hand on the ON button, I glanced once more at him, "I warned you," and flicked the button down.
Interesting that you seemed as reluctant toward the vacuum as Charlie. I can almost hear him answering back that he warned you about the carpet.
ReplyDeleteFunny how dogs react to our actions. They tend to be much more predictable than people. I can picture him under you bed. You did warn him.
ReplyDeletePoor Charlie! I have only had one pet who was tolerant of the vacuum cleaner. She was deaf.
ReplyDeleteHousework doesn't come easy to me, either. I can tolerate vacuuming, but only when I'm the one doing it. I get as testy as Charlie when my husband vacuums, and I need to go to the opposite side of the house!
ReplyDeletePoor little guy. I was in an apartment last year and I loved the carpet... until I dropped my entire plate of all my Thanksgiving leftovers onto it, after thinking about that dinner all day. Oops. I have hard floors now.
ReplyDelete