72 Comments
User's avatar
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jun 11, 2024
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

German Shepherds and terriers are very much not the same thing. We don’t have to muzzle Auggie. In fact, when I say “take your medicine” he tilts his head back and opens his mouth. My husband figured out that the drops go in best when you approach from the front, while I had been approaching from behind. But…after a week he doesn’t startle at the drops, and doesn’t try to run away. He’s very intent upon pleasing us. Scotties, being their adorable pompous selves, are intent only upon pleasing themselves. And that’s what makes them so charming.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Jun 11, 2024
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

I admire the way Scotties exude their very clear sense that THEY are Scotties, and you, poor creature, are not. Much, I dare say, like Scots, themselves.

Expand full comment
Judy Monaco's avatar

Auggie is such a dear, sweet boy.

Expand full comment
Phyllis Stengel's avatar

I hear you. I Feel the same way especially when they are in your personal space and then walk through the doors with you. Errg

Expand full comment
Laurel's avatar

I also feel the same way. I always try to buy from the Girl Scouts, because I remember going door to door as a child to sell cookies, and I hated it. But anyone else I really don't want to talk to.

Expand full comment
Hyde's avatar

People who stalk others, be it at the grocery store, or at home, can be cheerfully acknowledged or ignored. Your preference. But they shouldn’t be blocking entrances, roads, or walking paths. Granted I’m being tough by stating they are stalkers, but they are.

If you don’t receive acknowledgment, and instead get a polite “no thank you,” that is your notice that any further action is stalking. Harsh. But sometimes we are in our own thoughts and it’s not a reflection on anyone else.

It’s okay to leave the scene of a potential stalking if you are not in the mood for the polite “no thank you.”

Only never allow others to dictate what you do or don’t do if it’s not a question of safety.

No judgment. It’s okay to be you.

Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

Your reply is the product of some terrible experiences, and I echo your message about trusting your instincts.

Expand full comment
Barbara D's avatar

Ohhhh what a rough day. Don't ya just hate those days. Ugh

Hopefully today feels a bit more in sync. 💙 sending good thoughts your way, the quiet kind. 😉

Expand full comment
Sue Schaefer's avatar

Absolutely love your “rant”….totally understood! Some days are just like that.💕

Expand full comment
Marty M's avatar

I have no opinions on people accosting me a the grocery store because I just ignore them. But I empathize with having a German Shepard wearing a cone! Our GS kept crashing into doorways and looking pitifully at us after she was spayed. It was very difficult. Stay strong!

Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

Oh, he hates it so much!!!

Expand full comment
Jill Cury's avatar

I related to every word and experience. Grocery store gremlins and dogs in cones. A wasted day and minor annoyances! You are not alone but at least you write about it perfectly so I’m envious on top of it all!

Expand full comment
Kim Muth's avatar

I really enjoyed this. You are so relatable. I can be very social, but I’m also very shy. My closest friends understand me, but strangers have said I come off cold. I hope you are enjoying today.

Expand full comment
Rita Parker's avatar

Totally agree with you, and I am irritated with stores that allow people to set up near their door. It feels like a gauntlet to get inside. Many years ago, I was leaving a drug store when I passed a table full of girl scouts. "Would you like to buy some Girl Scout cookies?!" I replied I didn't have any cash on me. This small marauder in green whipped out a small white square and chirped, "No problem. We take credit cards now!" I had to laugh. And I did buy cookies.

Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

By the way, I may steal “small marauder in green” as a synonym for Girl Scout.

Expand full comment
Lucinda Dancing On The Light's avatar

Our guy had a cyst on his tail that exploded, leaving a crater behind. There wasn’t enough skin to surgically close it, so we had to just wait for it to heal. I spent several hundred dollars on collars, to no avail. I finally gave up and toughed it out. It took at least six weeks, but it finally closed up.

And I’ll do anything to avoid people at store entrances. Ugh.

Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

Glad your dog is okay.

Expand full comment
JoAnn Hamrick's avatar

I feel the same way, but I am a card carrying introvert. I’m always happy if the people at whatever charity’s table are busy taking care of other doners and I can sneak by stealthily.

Expand full comment
Sherry's avatar

I SO feel you - on all of it. Hang in there! Btw, a little something to make you smile - I’ve become a paid subscriber. Thanks for all you share with your readers and followers!

Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

Thank you very much for your subscription. It’s so helpful to have some gratification in the midst of the novel’s slog. I promise never to solicit your support at the grocery store.

Expand full comment
Sherry's avatar

Win-win - that way I won’t have to work to avoid you! 😉

Expand full comment
Joan Randall's avatar

Yes to almost everything here! I hope you found the eye drops that you really need. In addition to the aggravations that we share, it drives me nuts how the grocery store clogs up aisles with displays of things I do not want to look at much less purchase. I hope you had a big glass of your favorite wine when you finally made it home!

Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

Maybe two glasses.

Expand full comment
Henrietta Foster's avatar

In my area there are young people who go up to people in parking lots and try to talk them into going to some church. Ugh.

Expand full comment
J. F. Riordan's avatar

Ugh squared.

Expand full comment
Gina Burton's avatar

We certainly have the right to shop without being asked for donations. I particularly hate being asked by the cashiers to contribute to the store’s favourite charity. The only exception I make is aid for military personnel and their families.

I particularly dislike solicitors at my home. I just wave them away from the inside of a glass door while the dogs are barking so loudly I rarely have any idea what they’re flogging😂

Expand full comment