Ali-gator, animal-hater

Published on June 22nd, 2008 - 12:26 pm - by Megan | Add a comment below

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Maybe it’s selfish, but since Xavier is the spitting image of Josh and mimics everything he does, I can’t help but get a little excited whenever Ali shows signs of taking after her mama.  I secretly love when she looks at me with that look that clearly says, “No way lady,” or when she fights with me as I put a dress on her for church.  I love all those little things that remind me that she is mine, and that she is like me.

…Yesterday was no exception.

Xavier’s friend Aston had his second birthday party yesterday and we all went over to the Hopmann’s house to celebrate.  We were welcomed inside, and quickly made our way out to the backyard, so the kids could splash around in the baby pools Marc and Casey had set up for them to enjoy.  Everyone, including Ali, was having a blast (though completely ignoring the mini-water park) just enjoying the warm weather.

And then it happened.

Ty, the Hopmann’s dog, came outside to greet everyone. Now, as far as I can tell, Ty is just your run-of-the-mill good natured mutt.  He’s not particularly slobbery, large, or eager to make nice with anyone’s leg.  As far as dogs go, he’s A-OK in my book, and that’s saying a lot. It’s no secret that I’m not the world’s biggest fan of animals.  They’re great at a zoo or an aquarium, where I can observe them from afar and move on in two minutes after their initial cuteness wears off and all I’m left noticing is their smell and foul mannerisms.  Dogs are ok, as long as they’re outside animals that actually resemble what I feel to be canine:  big, furry, and loyal with barks that terrify any would-be-offenders, and are generally low-maintence.  Cats annoy me with their aloofness but constant need for everything, and fish tend to die a little too quickly.  Rodents gross me out, and reptiles scare me.  In general, I’m good with the concept of having a dog, and not much else.  I’m just not an animal person.

And this trait of mine comes from a recessive gene.  As far as I can tell, the majority of people love animals. My hubby, bless his heart, tries to hate them for my sake, but I get the feeling he’s really pining away for the day when Xavier asks for a cat or dog.  Xave-o LOVES all things animal.  He enjoys trips to the zoo, his favorite books, puzzles and movies all feature various members of the animal kingdom, and one of his favorite activities is making sounds like his favorite animals (currently dogs, pigs and monkeys).

So, you can imagine my surprise when, upon Ty’s initial entrance on Saturday, Ali burst into tears.  The dog was no where near her, but still, her little body shook and her cries began to sound more like angry demands for Ty to go back to where ever he came from and get far away from her.  This little outburst was repeated, with greater volume and intensity, as each of the Hopmann pets made themselves known to Ali.   Poor Josh took Ali into Marc and Casey’s bedroom to change her diaper, and everyone in the living room was treated to another round of screaming and tears.  I thought maybe she had a dirty diaper and was mad about having to get changed.  When Josh finally emerged from the room, he looked dazed.  “All of that,” he titled his head toward the bedroom, “was because their was a cat sitting like six feet from her.”

… So, animals beware, take cover, and hide.  Indoor pets, make nice with the outdoors, because when Ali comes near, you’ll want to escape from the pitchy screams that I’m certain must shred your eardrums in two.

My daughter folks, Ali-gator, animal-hater.

Tags: Ali, Josh, Megan, Xavier