Riesling has quite the arsenal of attention-getting techniques. On Wednesday night she was tired (having rollerbladed with Leandra that afternoon) and really wanted us to relax on the couch. However, we were busy planning an upcoming trip, so Riesling had no choice but to re-focus our attention where it properly belonged.

This maneuver, known as the “pitiful dog,” is generally effective.

Perhaps her most effective tactic—the direct grab for attention. Her next step usually includes draping her body across Leandra’s notebook along with a very loud sigh.