When my daughter was young, we took her to her first flea market. It was one of those big deals, filled with antiques and assorted fun junk. For hours before we got there she was excited about going. We promised her funnel cakes, cotton candy, and the possibility of interesting toys. All morning, every question she asked was punctuated with, “is it time for the Flea Market yet?”
When we finally got there, her excitement was overflowing, and as she climbed out of her carseat and her feet hit the gravel, she clapped her hands together and said, “Let’s go find some fleas!”
I believe that was the last time the mention of a flea made me smile.
I would like to know who came up with the idea that a flea circus would be a fun time. Oh, sure…on paper it sounds great. A brightly colored tent, a guy in a top hat, and some really small costumes. I had to look it up. I was sure this was a figment of someone’s imagination. To my jawdropping surprise, I discovered they were real circus sideshows. Even more surprising is the fact that actual fleas were harnessed and made to perform tricks.
How is this possible? And where can I find one of these magnificient flea trainers to come take a few off my hands?
Yes, you heard me right…I’m horrified to admit it…my dogs have fleas. Now I have an overabundance of these little creatures at my house, and no idea how it happened.
Don’t get me wrong. I’ve had my share of pets over the years, so I’ve had to irradicate my fair share of fleas, but not in ages. And I mean YEARS! I stay on top of these things. My dogs are treated like children. They eat better food than I do most days. We use the finest in natural flea preventative on a monthly basis. We have hardwood floors and leather furniture…not places fleas tend to breed. So how is it we have somehow managed to cultivate an entire Big Top of excitement under one roof?
I’m looking for someone to blame, but I can’t quite put my finger on the perfect foil. I can tell you this…the circus is not my favorite place to be. And if I’m not enjoying it, imagine how my poor dogs feel.
So what’s a girl to do when faced with a potential infestation of circus performers?
I went to the vet for a ridiculously expensive solution to my embarrassing problem. I have the stuff that goes ON the dog…stuff that goes IN the dog…stuff for the floors, the yard, the vacuum…and that is what I’ll be doing all day tomorrow. I will be tearing down the Big Top and sending the circus to the next town.
But tonight? There’ll be a whole lot of scratching going on.
Until the next time…I’ll be de-fleaing my house!