I’ve heard talk that April 1st is April Fools’ Day, but I don’t know what that means. My mom looked it up on the little TV she watches in her office (even though I try to distract her by dropping my ball in her lap or licking my lips for a snack). She told me it’s a day when people play practical jokes on each other.
I think my mom and dad have played a few practical jokes on me. When they got the grandfather clock fixed, I thought the doorbell was ringing, so I sounded my barking alarm and ran to the front door. I’m a good boy, but I was fooled.
Mom bought me a new toy called a puzzle and hid treats in it. I could smell them, but didn’t know how to move the little doors. I fooled her, though, because I’ve figured it out now.
When Dad asks me “who’s coming over?” I run to the window thinking it’s my two-legged sister and her pup Ramona. He fools me with that one.
Then there was the time Dad threw my ball, but I couldn’t find it. After a search and sniff, I discovered he had hidden it behind his back. That was a good practical joke.
Mom and Dad like to hide from me. One makes me sit and stay, and being the obedient dog that I am, I will sit and stay. Then on release, I run around the house looking in closets, bathtubs, under desks, and behind doors. They are getting very clever with their hiding places, but my trusty nose always finds them. My sniffer is no fool.
I have a few pranks of my own I play on my parents.
When they fill their glasses with ice, I get all excited and make them think I want a treat. It works every time. They give me a few chunks of those crunchy snacks.
I stand by the back door and pretend that I need to go potty. When they let me out, I chase the birds instead.
I make a pretty convincing throw-up noise too. It’s fun to see them jump out of bed to take me outside.
The best part of April, though, is National Hug Your Dog Day on April 9th. I think every day is hug your dog day. And I’m not April Fooling.
Love,
Larry