“Animal parenting  is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect being.”  Ane Ryan Walker

For those of you who follow this blog you know I’ve written before about my faithful companion, Jake.  He’s real special and I love him more than anything.  Over the past few years he’s given me a real run for my money and most times I’m pretty understanding considering what he’s been through and how hard his life has been in the past.   (See post 8/15/2011 Her Story Calls)

Recently however, I’m beginning to lose patience with him.  You see, he’s developed a drinking problem.

I don’t want you to think I’m judgmental or I have the right to choose for anyone else, but he’s really creating problems in my happy home.

Last week alone, he drank my milk and ate the cookies, spilling some milk onto the remote control and destroying it.  He sat up, proud as punch, with cookie crumbs on his muzzle and milk on his snout, looking totally innocent, Not.  I’ve learned he likes coffee with cream and sugar, but will drink it black if it’s all that’s available.

He also likes ice tea, with lots of ice, and will go looking for a crunchy snack to go with the tea.  Preferably chips, or pretzels if there are any available.

Now, I want you to know I’m a responsible pet owner, and because of his sad, abused history, I always, yes, always make sure Jake has plenty of food and water available before I leave the house.  Sadly, that doesn’t mean much to the drinking problem dog.

He still likes a mixed drink when he can get one, and although he likes beer better, he’s been known to sneak a glass of wine here and there.

While I wouldn’t openly label him an alcoholic, I am beginning to worry.

But I will give him this, no matter how much or what he drinks, he usually gets up and does his mile and a half  first thing each morning without complaint.

I guess that’s why they call them faithful companions.