...OK... So looking at this, my gradual conversion to the realms of unbalanced-ness has been creeping up on me for a good few months! I've known Boo's been sneakily taking advantage of this in her sneaky ways—as she does—I've even joked about it at work! As subtly as I've slipped out of balance, Boo has taken it upon herself to subtly rule the roost, make the decisions, get her own way and, most importantly, do everything I ask in her own time, which is generally unbelievably slow!

Tonight we went back to basics—simple mind tricks; I called to invite her to snuggle up. She raised her head looked at me, ignored me, and in a delayed response—a good few minutes later—decided, Oh, I'll come over now!

Normally I'd say, 'come on then, snuggle in anyway, I need a hug.' Tonight I put my human emotions aside and I said, 'nope, sorry, that wasn't quick enough.' Confused she laid down a little away from me wondering why I was sat on her bed and she wasn't. A while later I did the same thing—and got her same 'Pupcake Princess' response, consisting of, 'I suppose I might come over, but in my own time'. Again I responded as I had the first time I'd called her. She walked through the house looking for another bed to lay on, confused again by my sudden mindful black and white approach. After sitting in the doorway, cogs-a-turning, she settled in the hallway.

After a while I called her again with the same 'one-time' approach. Super Nanny check us out! This time, guess what?—she came straight to me, waited nicely to check she was allowed right on to the bed, and this is where she snores happily next to me, more balanced because her owner has at last noted and, more importantly, acted on her returning faults! That's not to say Boo won't have to remind me anytime soon. After all, I am only human.

But for now, at least... Let's see if getting out the front door, down the stairs, and into the car tomorrow morning follows tonight's understanding and not the 'in Boo's own time' approach!

Emily and Boo