Vince leaves a little before 7 and with the new time change, it’s daylight enough for me to go out and let the chickens out about 7:15 to 7:20. Once Vince leaves, I sit down and read email or knit for a few minutes. Rita has learned that when I get up, that’s when we’re going to let the chickens out. She’s snoozing in the chair and the minute I get up, she’s at the door . . rain or shine!
She knows the routine. There are 7 coops we have to open up and Rita’s way faster than I am so she runs ahead to each coop and waits for me.
Coop Opening Ritual
She stops in the same spot every morning . . about halfway between the house and the first coop and looks back at me, like she’s saying “Hurry up . . what’s taking you so long?” I guess she’s just wanting to be sure I’m following her.
Chicken Greeter
Only at one coop does she jump up and watch the chickens walk down the plank. I call her the chicken greeter. The chickens don’t even notice her. The roosters coming out of the coop have one thing on their mind and the hens have one thing on their mind . . getting away from the roosters!
Once all the coops are open, Rita runs ahead and is waiting for me at the back door.
Waiting at the Door
Whew! Our morning chores are done and it’s back to sleeping in the chair til Vince gets home at lunch! It’s a tough life for a chihuahua around here.
Dottie N. says
She’s just so darn cute!!! And your pictures and stories about y’all’s morning routine are fantastic!
swooze says
You have a great little dog there.
Denise in PA says
How sweet! Your very own chicken coop-opening supervisor!! Rita is just a little doll! o:)
Penny in So CA says
Rita is such a cute little buddy to accompany you each morning! Amazing how little furry members of the family have daily routines just like we humans do. While I shower & dress after our breakfast my little dog prefers to nap. Then she’s ready to help me dust mop or vacuum our kitchen-family rm. Unfortunately for me her white fur is continually shed on my dark hardwood floors & it’s necessary to do this daily. The funny part of this task is that she stays right by the mop or vacuum head with nose almost down on the floor as if checking to make sure I’m thoroughly cleaning it. Such good company, tho!!
Marsha says
Ayes, it doesn’t take long for our furry friends to know our routine. Two o’clock in the afternoon my dog starts whining she knows it is time for her walk.
Bev in Colo says
Just look at that happy pup! I’ve been watching your photos to see her face and ears. So delightful to see her now, compared to the first few photos. What a delight and blessing these little creatures can be. She’s having a great time just being a “pal” with you and Vince.
Sherrill says
That is HILARIOUS!! And I still think that is the funniest name for a little pup–RITA! Where in the world did that come from?
Donna says
Rita looks so much like out little dog we had for 19 years. She had her routine also and VERY little was going to change it. We had to put her to sleep about 6 years ago and I still miss her terribly. There are times I still think I can hear her clicking down the hall and ready for her snack or walk. Best pet I ever had!
Rita is lucky she ended up at your house! She chose well.
Marion Morgan says
Just love that Rita, what a treat she is. She knows her job and does it well. Great employee!
Peg H says
That’s a gem of a pup y’all got there Judy!
myrna sossner says
It never ceases to amaze me the way dogs … and cats too … will fall into routines that have nothing to do with our efforts at training them. Our little dog Rascal will resist coming, sitting or putting on the leash in the morning but knows our routines in so many ways that leave us astonished! AND the kitty who knows that 7 AM is when he wants breakfast and will tear up my desk if he does not get fed NOW!!! Daylight savings time took some adjustment! He knew it was still 7 when our clock said 6! I don’t think I could ever live without them in the home.
Linda says
I’m so glad she’s there to accompany you on your rounds, Judy. She’s so darn cute, I can’t imagine anyone dropping her off, but I know there are some awful people out there.
Diana says
Isn’t it amazing how they learn your daily routines …
Mine have changed a bit since I am in UT with my daughter -she had ACL replacement surgery so I came to UT to do things for her (driving, getting groceries, the small things: cleaning house etc… LOL ). So our routine is get up take the 7 year old to school, come back let the dog back out after our morning wake up, take the daughter to Physical Therapy, come home work on the therapy. Go to the store if need be etc… I am enjoying the company of my granddaughters tho, they are learning to sew and crochet. Oh then night time of picking up the middle daughter from her play practice or school. The oldest daughter goes to school, volunteering at the local children’s hospital and then works at night. Fixing meals and snacks.
My poor puppy is truly trying to adapt to the other dog and her life now for a few weeks. She is a trooper for sure !!
Rebecca in SoCal says
I knew cats need routine, but didn’t realize dogs adapted so! Thanks for the smiles.