Charlie's Olympics

Charlie's Olympics

Dreaming of fame as he waits for the Wrestling or Reverse Chase Events?

With the end of the Olympics, it's become evident that we have had some Olympic-qualifying events going on in our home and we didn't even realize it. Here, in a humorous vein, are events or accomplishments that should be included in the next Games. Please take note <ahem>:

Munchie, his greatest competitor on the course

1. The Reverse Chase. Charlie begins the course with a taunting and teasing of Munchie, only to have Munchie finally begin to walk away in disgust. In a surprise move, he tugs on Munchie's tail which causes our cat to suddenly reverse direction and the chase in on! It's an epic course - over couches, under coffee tables, around toy obstacles, through Munchie's tunnel and into furniture (ouch) before things calm down. Ah, but once you think it's done, it's Charlie in pursuit of Munchie, who does the smart cat thing: He climbs his cat tree and sits there eating treats, smugly looking down on Charlie! The winner of the gold has yet to be determined. [This looks like the Steeplechase event, with the obstacles changing on a daily basis]
2. The Toy Throw. Charlie's favorite night-time game is to bring his favorite toy and place it ON your foot. He stands there, staring until you finally look down. Let the games begin! When you slide his toy on the floor, he slides after it, trying to get it before it hits a wall or the door. He brings it back, waiting patiently for you to do it again (if you don't respond, he pokes your bare leg with his wet little nose, or gently nibbles at you until you play the game). This continues until he finds another interest, hits the food bowl or plops down to go to sleep.
3. The Throw & Cuddle. This is a new event in our home. Charlie has begun to throw himself backwards onto the crook of your arm when you are seated on the couch, to have his belly rubbed and have you cuddle him. If you ignore him, he stands on your lap and stares you in the face, catching you with a quick tongue if you are not quick enough to escape. Munchie finds this disgusting, and gives it a "0", but who is he to judge, when he is the master of the Insistent Nudge?
4. The Insistent Nudge. This is Munchie's premier coup. When he wants attention he will either stand on the computer desk and nudge you, weave through your legs and nudge (or nip you) until you give him attention, or silently steal your seat and wait for you to make the "ACK" noise as you try to avoid sitting on him. He also has been known to emit a loud "MAAA!" to get your attention and attempt to make you levitate off the bed.
5. Running in Circles (aka Laps). When Charlie gets excited, I would challenge any Olympiad to match him for laps! Ears waving, eyes wild, tongue hanging out of his mouth, he runs in circles at the end of his tether until we either laugh so hard we have to sit down, or until he is done and plops on the ground. Sometimes a team event with his friends Abby or Duchess. He prefers this because the leashes get tangled and he may have the opportunity to escape.
6. Hurdles. Charlie can leap over or onto pretty much everything in the house, except the cat tree. He is still in training. His forte: Levitation for 5 or more feet as he jumps from the foot of the bed in pursuit of Munchie (often followed by the Reverse Chase). His downfall: Crashing into Mom's legs with an oomph when he's looking behind himself instead of looking where he's going! His triumph: This doesn't stop him at all as he changes course and chases Munchie.
7. The Bark and Talk. While other dogs rush the window to bark, when Charlie is shushed, he is working at dialogue with his humans. He "talks" with different pitches   and sounds to get his meaning across, and has been known to stealthily creep across the floor to poke his nose through a window slat before emitting a loud "BARK" that reaches approximately 2 decibels. Often followed by Hurdles as Charlie tries his own Great Escape. I wonder how he would do on that TV show??
8. The Sneaky Tongue. We never know how long Charlie's tongue was until we witnessed him standing on the floor, trying to sneak his tongue sideways into our dinner plate one evening. This may not be an Olympic Event, but it's worthy of any spy - a real covert affair. Maxwell Smart, eat your heart out!
9. The Tail Chase. This event has only occurred once or twice since we adopted Charlie, but it is worthy of any greyhound or horse racing event. When he chases his tail, his solid little dachsie body contorts to resemble a doughnut as he spins, first slowly then ever so quickly to catch that elusive tail. He caught it once...and had no idea what to do with it! I can only imagine that many dogs would enjoy competing in this event. He is currently training with Munchie by use of The Reverse Chase.
10. Wrestling. His favorite Olympic Event. He waits for you to catch him on the bed, and flips over to wrap his paws around your arm. Emitting sounds (much like a bear) he wrestles you for possession of your limbs. When you flip him over and press him down again, he loves nothing more than to take your hand in his mouth and suck on it. Well, maybe that's not the best idea for an Olympic event, but he sure loves it! Also takes place on the couch, the floor, the chair....

Charlie the Champion at rest (or is he just waiting for the next Throw & Cuddle?)