Many people have very strong opinions on the time change—in both spring and fall. I’m not one of these people. I honestly don’t care. Yes, I do prefer daylight saving time, but I don’t get my undies in a bunch when we “fall back” the first Sunday in November. There is really only one problem with all this time changing for me: The dogs.
My dogs have a VERY strong internal clock and like to be fed at 6 a.m. and 3 p.m. For the record, we started at 5 p.m. and they have worn us down to 3. If they are being particularly pissy, I might even give in at 2:45. What can I say? I’m weak.
I don’t know how these animals have taken such control over our lives, but they have bent us to their will. This dog’s telling time nonsense has got to stop! One of my friends, who sometimes feeds them in the afternoon, is both amazed and impressed by their ability to tell time with their stomachs.
On Sunday, the whining started around 5:30 a.m., which was late. You see, my husband sets his alarm for 6 a.m. and that is their cue to go bat shit crazy and demand food. Brett promptly gets out of bed and complies. There are tons of barking and spinning and just general chaos as he goes into the garage to scoop the kibble. It’s total insanity.
They eat as fast as possible, then go back to bed and fall asleep again. Oh, to be a well-cared-for dog! It must be a dream. I feel that if I’m really good in this lifetime, I might get lucky enough to come back as a dog to someone like me in my next life. My dogs really do live the life. I could go for some of what they’ve got going.
Afternoons are worse. I work from home and they generally start trying to wear me down about 2:15. This is very distracting when I’m trying to work or I’m on the phone with a client. Honest to God, I try not to schedule anything at this time of day.
It is currently 2:13 p.m. on the first day of the time change and they are acting like they are about to die. I think Mavis put her paw to her brow and winced in dismay. They are pathetic and dramatic. Except Gus, who is a rescue. I know neither of my other two dogs has ever missed a meal, but geez Louise, they are food driven. They have made Gus this way, too. Now he barks and acts like a fool, just like the other two.
This will go on for about a month till they adapt. It’s a long, hard month, let me tell you. You can’t reason with even the smartest of dogs. They all think the time change is horse shit.
Spring is much easier. They are just pleasantly surprised when they get fed early. That is a win. Alas, March is a long way away.
I’m not one of these people who lobbies for one time. I do like having more daylight in the summer. However, I need these dogs to chill the fuck out come November. Please.
Angela Traver
What is this blog about? Well, it's a general blog, but it is also a very specific blog. If you get that reference, you get a gold star! I have been a public relations professional and writer of press releases for more than 20 years—primarily in the booze biz. I decided to do some writing for fun and embrace the humor that gets me through most days. Hopefully it will make you chuckle—or at least smile. I’m a certified crazy magnet, and more than a little nutty myself, so buckle up. Also, I have two vices—profanity and red wine/whiskey. You’ve been warned. It should also be noted, that I’m a HUGE Bob & Sheri fan. I’ve been a listener for more than 20 years. This opportunity is a dream come true and it may have made me cry. That being said, I cry at everything. If you are into booze, dogs, food and/or knitting, hit me up on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter (although I’m terrible at Twitter and it scares me) @kyspiritsgal. You can also find all my previous blog posts at www.kyspiritsgal.com.
