Bath Time Blues
Of course, our newfound bond came with the discovery of Dumbo’s quirks—starting with the fact that he absolutely, positively hated baths.
Most elephants love playing in water, but not our Dumbo. The moment I picked up the hose, he’d retreat to the far corner of his enclosure and give me the most betrayed look you’ve ever seen.
“Come on, buddy, you need a shower,” I’d coax, but he’d just shake his head like a giant, stubborn toddler.
“I don’t wanna, and you can’t make me.”
I finally figured out a compromise. “Okay, Dumbo, I’m going to count to ten, and then we’re done. Deal?”
His response was to close his eyes tight and brace himself like he was about to get a shot.
“One… two… three…”
The sight of a 5-ton elephant squeezing his eyes shut and enduring his bath like a martyred saint was so ridiculously cute that I’d struggle not to laugh every time.
“Ten! All done!”
And he’d immediately perk up and look at me like, “That wasn’t so bad. Same time next week?”
