He can’t think that I need… no way. 

Gracie Ann Gurley here. Welcome to Tale #7… live everywhere with no apologies (now that I know what it means). 

Daddy says apologies s are what you do after you did something bad. 

Even if you don’t feel bad. 

Even if you still kind of think you were right. 

Which I was. Because I usually am. 

Like me stealing Norman’s spot in bed… every night. Here’s how it works. I raise my head like I hear something outside… maybe coyotes. Norman leaps off the bed and runs toward the door using his scary, hundred-pound black dog bark. When he comes back empty-handed and I’m in his spot, he cries like a puppy. 

I’m supposed to say I’m sorry for such a great trick? 

That’s what daddy wants me to do.

But, nobody else at home apologizes. Daddy doesn’t. It may be because he didn’t have brothers and sisters, which explains a lot (don’t tell him I said that).

Momma doesn’t apologize much either. She was the youngest of her litter and learned all the tricks to get her way. Tricks that she’s still very good at today, according to daddy. 

And there’s Ellie. You know my issues with the junior felon. She still acts like a puppy and gets away with it. One day she took a big chunk out of Norman’s fluff. Right near his eye! Ellie claimed Norman was being mean. Really… he’s a living stuffed toy. Being mean… not a chance. But did Ellie apologize? 

Here’s the problem: I’m pretty much always right. I probably got this from daddy. He says he may not always be right, but he’s always sure. I’m not sure what sure means, but I’m sure it’s daddy thinking he’s right most of the time. You didn’t hear that from me either.

So why is he making me do this?

Apologizing is hard. The other day I was letting daddy rub my eyes and ears when Ellie snuck in looking for some of the action. I gave her the Gracie stare and then faked an attack on her. Daddy told me to be nice… to apologize.

So, I gave her a lot of kissies. Ellie and daddy were surprised. 

Then I told her to beat it. 

It felt so good! But then I kinda felt bad. 

So, I’m going to try harder over the holidays to “be nice.” Maybe there is something to it. Ellie really wants to be friends with me (who wouldn’t?).

My advice: give your pup a little extra love (or a snack) when they do the right thing. We’re trying.

More from Gracie’s Tales

Tale #3: When a new dog changes everything
Jealousy, big feelings, and learning to share a home.
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Tale #2: Why we lose our minds when you come home
Spins, tail wags, and the happiest moment of a dog’s day.
Read this Tale →