Hide & Steak:

 Growing up as an only child I’ve been playing games with my dogs since before I realized I wasn’t one.

One of our very favorites is Hide and Steak. It starts by me finding something delectable and nearly forgotten in the fridge, like crusty steak a-la-bone. To get things started I sit within sniffing-distance to Yogi and start talking gently to the handsome T-bone. Immediately he’s highly concerned not only for my mental health but also about my ability to responsibly handle this important cargo!!

[Game-on] 

I start backing up, and say “stayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy” with my hand up like a school-yard crossing guard until I’m out of sight (this part has taken extra practice). Then, I enter stealth mode... until accidentally stepping in the water bowl and am left cursing in silence with a wet sock while looking for a place to hide. 

Lucky for me, Yogi’s seeking strategy hasn’t improved much over the years which means anything higher than out of his doggie eye-line. On top of the washing machine, behind doors, under a blanket, in the bathtub, all great options.

Once I get in position, I yell something concerning like “Somebody Help me! I have a steak rind and I don’t know what to do with it!"  Next thing I know he’s hurtling down the hall way to the living room. There, he spends a half minute envisioning himself in a cape, standing proud, to make sure anyone who wants to take his photo before he saves the day gets the chance.