Keep Away

Emme loves routine. One of the things she always does after we eat a meal is go up to Ken and whine to be picked up. He holds her in both arms against his chest, facing his left side. The first thing Emme does when she gets in his arms is reach up and lick his ear. After that, she starts licking his fingers and wrist. Only after a little licking does she settle down to rest in his arms. She usually stays there for ten minutes or more as Ken and I continue conversation. Emme often falls asleep in his arms.

Lately she has added a new step to this routine. Before she lets Ken pick her up, she plays "Keep Away." She whines to be picked up and as Ken leans down to pick her up, she slides away, just beyond reach. Then she will come closer to his chair, let him pet her with his fingers, but just as he reaches to pick her up, she dashes across the room. Then she comes back, whines, and lies down on the rug. Ken pets her and she lies on her side. As soon as he goes to pick her up, again she runs away. After playing this game a few times, it is time for some real loving so she sits still for Ken to pick her up. Then it is lick the ear, lick the fingers and settle down for a nap. Just when we think we have Emme all figured out, she does something new, like play Keep Away. It keeps us on our toes.