The three of us are at Pet Valu replenshing Liam's food supply. Liam's framed photo is on the wall. He struts in like a star. I engage the cashier with Liam stories. Liam charms an assistant for a treat. Paul controls him as best he can. When all transactions are complete, I turn from the counter, glance over at the boys and head to the door. I hear Paul's voice "Remember the food"
Oh, of course. The reason we are here. Dog food. We all laugh. And Paul declares "That is my purpose."
And then I name it The Purpose of Paul
Definition To notice what I am about to leave behind.
And then I name it The Purpose of Paul
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| PAUL LOOKS AFTER MY WINE |
I have worked on my solo leavings and pretty much eradicated this problem. I had been known for leaving an item behind. Here is how I licked the problem. I have three checks I use upon leaving. Sometimes all are used. Other times, one or two.
They are:
1- I have iPhone audio reminders set to alert upon leaving my regular places.
2- I recite a verbal mantra which consists of going over what I brought in and what must be brought out.
3- I enlist available friends to chime in with verbal reminders when I leave.
It works
I am no longer that person who leaves her sunglasses on your picnic table, my Kindle in the health club, my iPhone on your couch.
When solo, with my fixes in place I am cured of my leavings
However, when with Paul I relax my procedures. And he takes over. And the possibility of forgetting arises.
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Should I now fix the non-solo leaving issue? I don't know.
Paul has a job. He picks up leavings. Watches. Is there for cleanup.
Liam knows. Has understood since he was a pup...intuitively knew the Purpose of Paul
And here are Liam's "knowings"
Liam knows Paul provides a safe gap in which Liam shelters during summer fireworks.
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| PURPOSE OF PAUL DURING FIREWORKS |
Liam knows the purpose of Paul in several activities.
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| FOR WATCHING THE US OPEN 2016 |
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| FOR SNUGGLES |
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| FOR CANINE HUMAN COMMUNION |
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| FOR SENDING LIAM'S TEXTS |
Should Paul continue in his "leaving" purpose? Or should I relieve him of this responsibility?
Woof, Woof
