Prep time

Akank is meticulous about preparing for the arrival of her pup.  She has been that way for four years already. So its almost like revising details the fourth time over.  Around the house its common sight to spot Akank with either the” The complete identifier” or ” A concise guide to Dog Breeds “or more recently ”  Golden Retriever”and ” 97 ways to make your dog smile”.  She also creates projects for herself. Today it was another attempt to write down her responsibilities and commitments as a new dog owner. Time and again, she has heard us warn her that it is ultimately going to reflect on her academics and we would not be happy if her school records take a dive because of the new distraction.

A few weeks back she wrote a dozen points under a title called ” Dog Commitments”. It was a first attempt at recording her commitments to us, once the dog arrives. It  mostly had details of how she will take care of her dog and less to do with how she will take care of school work and be responsible ( I remember a point that said ” Will set aside time for school work, piano lessons and Paatu practice” ). We had commented on her list of commitments and asked her to include more of what she will do towards maintaining a harmonious balance between being responsible for both her dog and her work at school and other lessons.

Today she attempted for the second time, at listing the do’s and don’ts and called it ” Notes to Self “. I will list a few that I could not help smiling at:-)

Do not let on bed or sofa ( very very reluctantly)

Do not forget school work (ever)

Do not let into kitchen ( even by accident)

Keep possessions at height

Warn appa to keep his possessions at a height ( Amma does not possess much) .

How I laughed when I read this. I almost missed the last point, which was a little disturbing.

” Have to teach him the command kill in case I have a row with someone”.