Gratitude to all the bus drivers who absolutely positively know that Benson is, indeed, my pet.

And they still give us a ride.

You're angels.

#BensonUpdate
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

Alicia the Fancy Trainer told me Benson has a few needs:
Affection
Exercise
Dog Brain Stimulation

We begin every morning with Affection. I sit in my slipper chair and Benson trots over and I give him a nice body rub and scritches while he whips his tail back/forth.

Then we go for a nice long sniffari walk.

I've been lagging on the Dog Brain Enrichment thing and he started to display some leash biting and teething some non-dog items today. So, after the long walk, we played tug of war, I wrapped some treats in a knotted bandana and after about an hour of this puzzle, he's down for his morning nap.

We'll do some refresher obedience drills later today.

This Dog Mama stuff is exhausting.

#BensonUpdate
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

I took Benson for a walk, and he was so frolicsome! Running, jumping, cavorting!

At first, I tried to contain that energy but, you know what? Dogs have a right to feel joy! I felt bad for tugging on his leash and apologized. And he just kept tugging, running, and cavorting. Big Schmoopie face.

But almost knocking over Mommy's wine at the bistro? That's too far.

#RestraintPlease
#BensonUpdate
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

I have a dinner date in exactly 13 minutes.

I need a goblet of wine.

#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

I mean, I've been #Adulting since 5 am.

I can stop now.

#HustleCulture
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

While I am committed to my Benson, who always makes me smile when he relaxes on the train, rests between my legs, and leans his very heavy pit bull weight against me, panting happily, I also look forward to ONE day when these 2 day/week daycare commutes won't take a dang 2 hours each way because I'm a stubbornly independent woman on public transit.

CA driver's license, here I come.

#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT
#BensonUpdate
#OldHotness

Me [to my accountant] : Um...
Him: I already filed the extension.

He really gets me.

#Adulting
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT
#taxes

This is the sweet face of the BAD boi who got TWO timeouts for being snappy with other dogs at daycare today.

ALSO the dog who RIPPED Nestor the Lyft driver's backseat cover costing me all the cash I had on me to give the poor guy.

AND the animal who SPRAYED liquid 💩 all over the flora and fauna of West Oakland and Rockridge.

First, this animal is getting a muzzle for group settings and car travel (don't come at me -- this is CA and there are hella dog owner liability laws in this state) and, second, I'm scheduling another horrendously expensive session with Alicia the Fancy Dog Trainer.

😒Effing dog and his bullshit prior socialization (i.e, none) and prey instinct...😑

On the upside he was lovely again on the BART and the BART dude said I had a 'John Wick dog.'

#BensonUpdate
#LadyBachelorWithADog
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

Thanks to Benson and his separation anxiety/codependence/whatever, I have a ready excuse to decline invitations to improv comedy fundraisers.

#BensonUpdate
#LadyBachelorWithADog
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT
#FedIntrovert

Proposal: Friday as a Date Night needs to stop.

Because of all the jankery (both personal and societal) Friday is for deep self care, not getting dressed up and going to dinner.

I need to wrap myself in a blanket, not SPANX.

#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

4 miles.

This is what Benson needs to be gently wiped out by the end of the day.

Ironically, this also wipes me out by the end of the day.

#BensonUpdate
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

I had a grown-up night out. omg. pizza and cider at Drake's with a bestie. And Benson. Who was overstimulated but well-behaved. Ish.

Bestie: You look uh...
Me: Like a Michigan farm woman? Yes. I know. [guzzling cider]
Bestie: I was going to say 'different.'
Me: I'll look like myself again in a month. [guzzling more cider and feeding Benson treats from a baggie hanging from my hip]

#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT
#BensonUpdate

ok. my new dog mom pity party is over.

1800Junk is coming by after therapy to pick up all the furniture that has been displaced by Benson.

(Needed to downsize anyway.)

He's getting assessed for daycare.
He's going to get training.
And I'm going to give him a bath this weekend. Or someone will.

Where there's a will (and resources), there's a way.

#BensonUpdate
#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT

Also, not gonna lie.

I feel like all I've been doing is cleaning up after this dog. I have not relaxed ONCE this weekend.

It's all: walking, feeding, cleaning, walking, feeding, cleaning.

I know it's a process while he acclimates but jesus christ this sucks.

I literally want a booty call and a beer right now. But wait. I need to feed this dog in 3 hours.

Dammit.

#LadyBachelorIsTIREDT