Popeye the confused Pug

Dear Dr. Forsythe: My 11-year-old Pug and I have run into a problem recently in the building in which we live.  Recently a little boy has moved in who feels it is ok (and even fun) to press ALL the elevator buttons when he goes in the elevator.  Since the building is a high rise, and Popeye and I live on the 22nd floor, it is annoying when we get on and have to wait through all the floors to get to our apartment.  Not only that, Popeye thinks every floor is our stop, tries to run out, then acts confused and disoriented when he realizes it is the wrong floor.  Every floor has different colored furniture and flowers when you get off the elevator, sort of a different “theme.”  I’m wondering what my poor little dog must be thinking every time the elevator door opens?  Also, how would you go about having this little kid punished for his actions?  – Irritated in San Fran

Dear Irritated: First of all, if the worst thing a poor kid has done is pressed elevator buttons in a high rise, I think speaking to the apartment manager and politely requesting the boy stop this annoying and inconvenient practical joke is enough.  As far as punishment, what were you thinking, 30 lashings with a wet noodle?  I hardly think that is appropriate.  If it doesn’t stop after a polite request, you may want to ask the boy’s parents directly to correct the problem and explain that it is causing problems for you and your dog, Popeye.

As far as the thoughts going through a pug’s head when he goes in an elevator and the doors open at his floor, I assume he believes he has entered a completely new world – his home.  I would also presume that due to the limited neurons in the Pug brain, when you arrive at the wrong floor, he becomes befuddled and bewildered but equally happy to explore THAT world, “the other world” of the wrong floor.    The glorious thing about dogs – and maybe most of all pugs in particular, is that they live in the moment – with pugs, perhaps the “micro moment” where they seem to take most things in stride.  Every time the elevator opens it is probably like when the Wizard of Oz goes from black and white into color.  It should be a moment of magic for him, a new opportunity to meet people, see and smell things, and, if I know pugs, a new room to poop in!!!

Since there is limited information on how dogs perceive images and less information on how they interpret things, it really is anybody’s guess exactly what Popeye may be thinking when the doors actually open and he gets out to investigate.  I suggest you gain control of him on the leash, have treats available to appease him if he seems agitated or even carry him in your arms until you reach your correct floor.  And you may even want to consider this: how about introducing the button-pressing child to Popeye?  The kid is obviously bored, and I don’t know of a child who doesn’t ADORE pugs.  I’ll bet after that boy takes one look at your confused pooch you may even have a new friend to help with the pooper scooping.  Well it’s worth a thought, isn’t it? – Dr. F

Dear Dr. Forsythe: I have a question but please don’t print my name.  Our mother passed away over two months ago and had no will.  My sister is taking care of my late mother’s cat.  (I’ll call her Kitty).  That was simple to decide because I cannot stand cats, I am allergic to them, so is my husband and one of my children.  However, my sister who loves Kitty hasn’t got the means to pay for the cat’s care. My mother did not have a lot of money, but she did leave me more of her estate because I helped her more during her later years while my sister was estranged.  Do you think I should offer to help pay for the Kitty’s care?  My husband says “no” but I was wondering what you had to say. – No name, just a daughter

Dear daughter: Now that mom is gone, your are much more than a daughter, you are a sister.  I suggest you offer up some funds to your sister/mother’s cat so that the pet can be taken care of.  I would do this in memory of your mother.  I would thank your sister for taking good care of mother’s cat, and also let her know what a great quality it is that she loves animals and remind her that your late mom would be so happy knowing that her pet is being cared for in a loving and kind way.   By doing this, I would imagine you will feel better, your sister will feel better, and everyone will begin to heal, not to mention the benefits of a healthy happy pet in the family.  So the only other thing to ask is, why is your husband such a grumpy old curmudgeon?  A question for another advice column!! – Dr. F