Laina’s latest obsession has been with dogs. As a baby she was terrified of them. I’d take her to Grandma’s house and if Laina spotted one of the dogs out and about she would whine and squirm until we removed them from the room. Her fear later turned into intrigue.
At just one and a half she would pull me into the living room to turn on Animal Planet. I can’t count how many times I had to explain to someone I was on the phone with that Laina was screaming because I couldn’t find a dog on tv. Sometimes there would be dog food commercials on and I knew I had approximately 30 seconds to come up with my next plan of action or all hell would break lose. Turns out 2 year olds don’t “do” commercials. Dog shows, Labrador water jumping competitions, adoption stories, America’s Funniest Animals…you name it, I’ve seen it.
Well apparently Laina has decided she’s studied the creature long enough and has actually BECOME a dog. “Cassie” to be exact. She barks. She pants. She crawls. She begs. And thanks to her ever encouraging father, she now fetches.
Maile and I came home from the store the other morning and rather than come running with a hug like Laina would…I heard a small yip, followed by panting as “Cassie” came careening around the corner on all fours.
What’s nice about having “Cassie” around so often is that she’s actually very obedient. For example the other day after lunch I called Laina three or four times to stop playing and come upstairs for bed. She’d simply say no and continue to play as only Laina would, when the idea struck me…you know where I’m going with this don’t you… “CAAAASSSSIIIIIEEEEE!!!!! HERE CASSIE…COME ON GIRL…TIME FOR BED GIRL…” Sho’ nuff. “Cassie” came on the first call.
This leads me to wonder…what other things can I get “Cassie” to do that Laina would have no part of?? If I continue to call Laina “Cassie” will I lose her forever?? Is this the beginning of a multiple personality disorder? Will Laina be back in time for Emily’s wedding?? Or would I RATHER take “Cassie” who can sit and stay?? Do I like “Cassie” better than Laina?? One can only hope this is a phase that will soon pass…or can one?