Flickr: Our dogs are Best in Show

By Elaina Wicks

It has been said that dogs often emulate their owners, but I would never have imagined that a dog would take on my own obsession for a routine.

Our 14-year-old retriever-hound mix who has been aptly named Thorn (because he can be a "stickler" for routine), seems to have an uncanny ability to tell time. In a household of four dogs, to minimize mess and mayhem, we keep them in pairs and rotate them at precise intervals throughout ... more 

By Elaina Wicks

It has been said that dogs often emulate their owners, but I would never have imagined that a dog would take on my own obsession for a routine.

Our 14-year-old retriever-hound mix who has been aptly named Thorn (because he can be a "stickler" for routine), seems to have an uncanny ability to tell time. In a household of four dogs, to minimize mess and mayhem, we keep them in pairs and rotate them at precise intervals throughout the day to ensure equal attention and play time.

This specific rotating schedule has been a part of our daily routine for several years, and Thorn knows each day (without fail) when it is his time to rotate or go outside, and he definitely knows chow time. Don't dare be a minute late because our stubbornly intelligent pooch will not be denied—assaulting our ears with desperate yelps and determined spectacle. He's even been known to drop his bowl at my feet to get his point across.

Who needs a watch with a super-pooch like Thorn? I have actually set my own schedule around him because he is so dependable; set an appointment around Thorn's time-frame and you'll never be late for an event again—guaranteed! less