YODELAYHEEEEEEE!
He only does it when I’m not around… Come to think of it, he only does the things he’s not supposed to do when he’s thinks he’s alone. He’s sneaky like that. Not only that, but his rebellious nature is beginning to rub off on his peers as well. He’s never sure when I’m home, so he assumes if he’s outside then I’m not home… Maybe it’s an “outta sight outta mind thing?”
I know his nature – I know his strengths and weaknesses… if both were stacked side by side it would probably be about a wash… When I am home and hear sirens in the distance growing closer and louder, especially when he’s outside, I know the neighbors are in for it. Larry runs to the middle of the backyard and yells at the sirens or howls I guess I should say.
Larry’s a little guy, but he’s got a set of lungs like a coyote. I guess they didn’t breed all the dog out of hybrid yet… I feel bad for our neighbors, plus it grates on my nerves when he howls… and now he’s got Lola beginning to add to the harmony. When Larry is howling, I’ll go to the back door and hit it hard – scaring the howl out of him. Other times I open the door and give him the “CHU! – CHU!” I learned that little trick from the dog whisperer… Wish it worked like it does on TV…
I was in my den working on a Saturday when I heard him. “Awe – Larry!” I said to myself listening for the sirens but didn’t hear any. He stopped as quickly as he started so back to work I went. A few seconds later he was at it again… irritation and curiosity got the best of me. When I got to the backdoor I stood off to one side to spy on the little trouble maker to figure out why he was howling.
It happens now and then, and it just so happens that I had the old country classic satellite station on in the house and in the backyard to work by, (professionals say that this can be normal for a person who was forced to listen to country music as a child…) As the chorus for the old Dolly Parton song, “Mule Skinner” came around again, so did Lar. (pronounced lair)
As Dolly yodeled “yodelayheeeeeee”, the chorus Larry chimed in with enthusiasm. He’d wait and sure enough, on cue, he’d begin howling again with the next chorus. I started laughing still hiding from Lar, I knew if he saw me he’d know from past experience to shut his mouth… or snout… I waited for the next chorus and sure enough, he joined in like he was part of her band.
Funny how things change in this life. It’s a constant – the one thing we can count on. Our bodies change with time and so can our minds and hearts. I’m not sure Larry can change… but I can… I’ve heard that song since the day of Larry’s harmony and know that the memory of my childhood will be replaced, at least in part, by Larry howling along with it.
I also realize that I don’t always have to be the enforcer of rules around the house. It’s about the heart, not the rules… And while Larry tends to break the rules, he’s like most of us and has a pretty good heart… It’s pretty bad when you’re overdue reminder comes from your howling dog…
If you’re in the mood to howl you can chime in here Mule Skinner Blues.
Lynn Morrissey
Saturday, May 11, 2013 @ 6:38 pm
Well now you have written about just about everything, Floyd. And this is so entertaining. Just priceless, and you’ve told it so well. REminds me of once when I was auditioning for the St. Louis Bach Society, and the conductor was holding auditions at his home (can’t recall now why). But his dumb dog (sorry about that!) howled throughout my entire audition. I got in the chorus, so maybe it was a good thing. The dog covered up my faux pas. We also had a standard poodle named Bogey who howled to the heavens everytime I sang (gosh, maybe I should be taking a hint here). He’d throw back his head and howl like a banshee, and the embarrassing part is that his high notes were higher than mine! Now what does that tell you? Dolly Parton move over! Great post, Floyd!
Fondly
Lynn
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 11:55 am
Too hilarious! I guess all of the canine pals are into singing! Those are great stories! I’ve heard you sing… Dolly will never know your refined skill… Thanks, Lynn.
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 3:45 pm
Lynn, you know I can be a little forgetful sometimes… Happy Mother’s Day! Better late than never! It’s still daylight out here!
Hazel Moon
Saturday, May 11, 2013 @ 9:47 pm
This is so funny. There are times when our dogs join in the chorus of other dogs somewhere near by. We don’t get too many sirens on our road but we do have certain pick up trucks that cause them to howl. They remember that truck usually has a dog in the back, and they remember the sound of the truck which is their clue. If it is night and it gets too bad, the “chu chu” usually works, but they also know when I clap my hands they better quiet down. Thank you for sharing at “Tell Me a Story.” My site will open late as Robert has a Dr appointment and we will be gone most of the day. Mh story site is supposed to be a Tuesday blog hop, so that is fine.
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 11:56 am
I haven’t tried the clapping for awhile… I forgot! That is a good one! I guess most of are witness to our own canine chorus! Thanks for letting me share my story at your site! Praying for you and Robert. And thanks, Hazel.
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 3:43 pm
Happy Mother’s Day, Hazel! I missed that the first time around!
Ngina Otiende
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 5:25 am
This is so funny Floyd! Larry is quite the funny dog. I agree, this is a fresh memory created. Am wondering about that “professional diagnosis”, am thinking the Proffesion-er’s name might be the same as yours : ) Great lesson and wonderful read!
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 12:00 pm
Okay, it was a stretch to call myself a professional! But you got my gist! Larry is indeed a funny dog… Hope you get to see the last picture of him I just posted. I hate it when I learn a lesson from a dog… Thanks, Ngina!
Ngina Otiende
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 8:34 pm
what have you done to Larry! just too funny! thanks for the laugh. good to see the little guy (with a not so little bark) that took you to class!
Floyd
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 @ 6:57 am
I didn’t do that, our youngest did that and snapped a picture of the little howling monster! And yes, he has schooled me more than once!
Joanne Norton
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 6:46 am
Well, you just made me grin. I recognized Dolly immediately … and most young ‘uns wouldn’t, especially when SHE was a young ‘un then. And your sharing story had me smiling.
And I’m almost ALWAYS in the mood to “howl”… but usually for the Lord. [Used to be the opposite, just “howling” to get attention and go at “them” when I was furious or frustrated; now — Thank You, Jesus — life has changed! My kids and g-kids still think I’m a “howler”, but they still don’t quite understand the difference. ;-)]
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 12:02 pm
Howling for the right reasons is all good! Why am I not surprised that all your family know and trust that you are a colorful character! God knew exactly what He was doing! Glad to make you smile… Thanks, Joanne.
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 3:43 pm
I forgot to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day, Joanne! There you go!
Mia
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 7:35 am
Dear Floyd
I wish I could have heard this duet between Dolly and Larry!! I agree with you on the beart thing. I don’t have to many rules in my home; actually, I have none. We sort of just try to love one another well and then things sort themselves out. Our Pappa also DOES NOT want our obedience; He desires our hearts and our love. He knows that once we experience His goodness and love, obedience will come naturally. I enjoyed this post so much, thanks.
Blessings and a wonderful week.
Mia
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 12:06 pm
What a wonderful perspective and set of guidelines to live your life by. I’m a little slow catching on to it, but I agree one hundred percent with your attitude. It really allows us to enjoy the life our Father designed for us. I truly appreciate your deep wisdom, Mia. It really drives the lesson home… straight to the soul. Thanks.
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 3:42 pm
I neglected to wish you a Happy Mother’s Day; Surfer mom!
Betty Draper
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 3:06 pm
All my life I have wanted to yodel like Dolly…she has great vocal cords. It’s almost a lost art but in the olden days, most all country singers could yodel. By the way, love Mule Skinners Blues, reminds me of listening to the Grand Old Opry on the radio when I was a kid.
Your dog story hits home too, he almost sounds human as he sings (howls) along with the song. When you can use a howling dog to tell a story that is about life, you are a pretty good writer. God any cat stories? Good post.
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 3:41 pm
Isn’t it great how songs take us back? The song “Jolene” by Parton reminds me of a vacation we took to see my mom’s family in Montana. I slept in the back hatch, under the rear long glass of a 69′ Ford Torino. How I love and appreciate hearing other’s stories from their childhood and past lives… it’s a bond that ties all of us.
Funny, I have some old posts about our cats… One of these days I’ll repost the one of my mom and I burying Kitty Boo up on the “bench” above our old house in CA. I think I’ll have to do one about our girl’s first cat; Gato… He went by the name of Box… Guess I got the habit of odd names and nicknames for people and animals from my mom… Might be a story in there too. Thanks, Betty. And Happy Mother’s Day.
Lynn Morrissey
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 3:52 pm
Oh that’s so nice, Floyd! Thank you for the mom’s day wish. Just got back from the symphony w/ my mother. They played Beethoven’s 9th, and we were soaring in the stratosphere!
And thanks for your earlier nice comments. When had you heard me sing? I;m a big confused. =]
Blessings,
Lynn
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 4:01 pm
I saw clip of you and about eight other people singing Bach I think? The conductor was famous.
Lynn Morrissey
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 4:05 pm
Oh, ok. That’s right. I had sent you a clip of our Bach Chorus, The American Kantorei, conducted by our beloved late conductor, Dr. Robert Bergt; and yes, he was a world-renowned Bach expert. Moreover, he was a pssionate man of God. How much we all miss him!
Floyd
Sunday, May 12, 2013 @ 5:39 pm
I remember that about him as well. What a blessing for you to be able to perform him.
Dan Erickson
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 5:16 am
That’s funny, Floyd. My dog Shep has a great howl, but so far, only for sirens. I like your final synopsis. We need to remember not to push too hard with rules. My kid needs rules, but sometimes I need to ease up, too.
Floyd
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 6:10 pm
You and I share some very similar personality traits, Dan. That can be good in a lot of ways… and not so much in others… I’ll remind you if you remind me! Thanks, Dan.
Lisa notes
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 8:16 am
Ha. We can learn quite a few things from our furry friends. My last dog April used to ALWAYS howl at sirens. She’d hear them before I would, so I’d learn to trust her instincts that something was coming. It reminds me that I should be willing to learn from others who are quicker on picking up things than I am….
It’s been awhile since I’ve heard Mule Skinner Blues. Better go check it out now. 🙂
Floyd
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 6:12 pm
I knew a southern lady like you wouldn’t be able to resist some Mule Skinner Blues, Lisa! That is a good reminder to listen and trust others with more wisdom… Ouch. Well said. Thanks, Lisa.
Barb Raveling
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 10:31 am
Your dog is adorable and so funny that she just howls on that chorus. We also have a little dog and she howls when my daughter plays the harmonica. I love little dogs, but I would also love it if my little dog learned not to bark! By the way, I love the Dolly Parton picture in front of the camper trailer. Classic!
Floyd
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 6:14 pm
Larry and Lola don’t bark too much and hardly ever whine… I guess I do enough whining for all of us! I’m with you on that picture, she seemed to sell out after that, not that I’m judging, we all have our issues, but I like the old classics too. Thanks, Barb.
tcavey
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 10:35 am
That’s too funny! Thanks for the laugh. I was nodding off reading at my computer, but this post gave me a nice “wake up”.
Floyd
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 6:19 pm
Glad to be your alarm! I’ll guarantee that if Larry were there and was howling, you wouldn’t be nodding off! You know, now that I’m thinking about it, I’ll bet Larry would like OK! Thanks, TC.
Jay Cookingham
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 12:11 pm
Dog gone it….Another great post to howl about dude! Believe me, I’m not barking up the wrong tree when I say this post will hound me for quite a while! 😉
Floyd
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 6:21 pm
Leave it to you, Jay! You have me laughing out loud and my wife is wondering what’s wrong with me!!! How your brain works is to funny! It’s a good thing… What a gift. My heart is lightened, Jay! Thanks, brother!
Audra Krell
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 1:56 pm
I wish I could have heard that! But your usual amazing writing style has me howling with laughter. This is awesome. You’ve got to record it next time, you know Dolly would love to hear it too!
Floyd
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 6:24 pm
That’s a great idea! I’ll try to record it next time! Maybe I could be Lar’s agent! I can see it now; “Larry Sings Mule Skinner Blues!” And “New howling sensation; Lar takes Nashville by the bones!” Thanks, Audra. I’m rolling now!
Audra Krell
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 1:56 pm
I wish I could have heard that! But your usual amazing writing style has me howling with laughter. This is awesome. You’ve got to record it next time, you know Dolly would love to hear it too!
Leslie
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 4:34 pm
Hi Floyd,
Can you please send me a list of female bloggers you would recommend.
Thanks,
Leslie
Floyd
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 6:28 pm
You bet, Leslie. The ones right below me… which I guess will be above my comments, are a good place to start; Audra, TC’s, Barb, Lisa, and Betty’s. I’ll link them and a some others, you will be blessed by them. They are wonderful ladies with a real heart and passion for non judgmental encouragement.
Jennifer Dougan
Monday, May 13, 2013 @ 7:10 pm
Hi Floyd, 🙂
What a cute dog story! I could picture him howling along to the song. How’s your week going?
Thanks for stopping by my site. They are very sweet kids. I am honored and humbled by them.
Have a great week,
Jennifer Dougan
http://www.jenniferdougan.com
Floyd
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 @ 6:55 am
My week is going well. It’s all about perspective… the gift of free will that is so under estimated. Thanks for stopping by, Jennifer.
Jason Stasyszen
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 @ 11:14 am
Love this, Floyd. Thanks for the chuckle. You should play it again and see if you can video him “singing” along. That would be awesome! 🙂
Floyd
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 @ 5:55 pm
I will try to get Larry on video. He loves the camera… Thanks, Jason. You needed a chuckle today!
Mike
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 @ 2:31 pm
Hey Floyd. I didn’t know that dogs were singing when they were making some of those irritating sounds all day and all night. 🙂 Now I realize my neighbors a hundred feet in front of our house, and the ones about fifty feet behind have a bunch of little furry things that like to sing all night long. Bless their little furry hearts. Maybe with that understanding I will be less likely to commit harm to them or their owners. 🙂 Fun story!
Floyd
Tuesday, May 14, 2013 @ 5:57 pm
You sound like me, Mike! That’s why I try to control him, I know I wouldn’t want to hear the neighborhood dogs singing their lullabies! Count to three, Mike!
Dan Black
Saturday, May 18, 2013 @ 11:24 am
The youth I have worked with (Foster kids and youth in rehab) I have learned the outward rebellion is often a inward cry for recognition or help. It’s human nature to want to be cared for and loved and we often do crazy things to get that feeling of care and love. Even adults:)
Floyd
Saturday, May 18, 2013 @ 1:31 pm
Good point, Dan. That is our most basic of needs and how we go about getting it can be a little confusing to say the least. Even in conversations often don’t say what we really mean… especially as adults! Thanks, Dan.