In my weakness to take a stand against Roo’s soft, beseeching eyes, I have created a manipulative monster. Our mealtimes are his playground for planting his go-go-booted paws on our (well, my) lap and staring longingly into our (well, my) eyes for table scraps. I’ve always hated that in other people’s dogs, but now have nurtured that very same obnoxious behavior in my own! Dang! Seduction is sneaky! So the other night Ed had enough of it. After a number of “no, get downs,” he resorted to a swat on Roo’s rump. Shocked to the core of his being, Roo slunk off in disgrace. I was equally devastated! Not only because of Roo’s distress, but also because my lack of taking clear action to discipline him resulted in Ed having to be the “bad guy.” Not fair to him… or HIS relationship with Roo! Sooo, new resolve. Clear boundaries set with our persuasive pup and patrolled out of love… for both Roo AND Ed! God give me strength (and wisdom) to resist those beguiling eyes…