new observations

Wouldn't you think that once you were on a good track with the integration of your second dog into the household, everything would come together nicely and you'd be set? That had been my thinking before Sadey joined our family of now three. 

Things were progressing well. Sadey was now mostly with us -- all day, aside from mealtime and nighttime. There was no fighting. Everything was amazingly peaceful. And it remains peaceful today. So what could possibly be off-kilter? 

At first, I didn't really think much about it. Once peace prevailed, I was satisfied. This morning -- a very very cold morning! -- I take them out as usual...

And I feed them -- no argument there, each eats in his or her space -- and they get their dental chews separately, and of course, Henry plays with his first while Sadey devours hers in seconds, but all this is good. No issues, no squabbles. I eat my breakfast and finish yet another Maeve Binchy book.

 

 

It's the time after -- our peaceful morning rest time -- that I focus again on the details of their dynamic: I had truly believed that if they got over the initial hesitation, they would relish the companionship of the other. Sadey, I was told, would really love a home with a canine sib. Henry, I was sure, needed extra stimulation at home. Being a master of dog friendship, it seemed obvious that a pal would help him pass the time. All this may be true, but the one thing I'm seeing is that these two tolerate each other, but except for the first rather hard play yesterday morning, they do not really attempt to engage each other. A wag, a lick, indicating basic peace, and then they go their separate ways. 

Moreover, Sadey is a total attention hog. Henry watches in the background as she always, always sticks close to me. The minute I sit on the couch, she is there, right next to me. She works hard to be the one I pet and cuddle. Henry stays to the side, with those sad eyes of his looking on.

And finally, the toys have been removed so that there would be no resource fights. The only time they had really squabbled last weekend was over a chewy. I was told to take all the stuff away. This may be nothing much to Sadey. Her foster mom said that they didn't really have doggie toys -- just the occasional bone. But Henry loves his toys and I see him walking from room to room, likely wondering where his squeakies and nylabones have disappeared to. 

So I close Sadey off again and give him his toys and I give her matching ones in her space and I wonder -- is this the way they're going to play going forward? 

I suppose I have gained something: Henry keeps an eye on Sadey and so I cannot say that he is bored. But I'm back to reading books on how to give the neglected non-pushy dog his equal share of attention, because with Sadey in the room, he gets precious little time with me.

*     *     * 

I take both dogs to the dog park again. Ed joins us. It may be very cold (with winds, they're saying it feels like -2F/-19C, for sure the coldest Sadey has ever felt), but keeping the dogs home all day is not a good idea for these two.

(Sadey, your flying ears surely deserve a close-up)

 

 

At the park, both of them release their inner tension. Henry is more relaxed here -- he knows he can run, he knows how to communicate his wishes to other dogs. He's not shy about communicating them to Sadey as well, and she is not shy in her response. I'd say they are, for once, a pretty good match. Both are confident. Both are fast.

They have a fantastic hour of exercise.

I tell Ed I want a timed self-release photo. His answer? -- you'll never get them to cooperate. I laugh -- you just watch! They both want to be in on anything I do.

 

 

 

*     *     * 

In the evening, the young family is here for dinner. I knew this would present many challenges since Sadey can get pretty wild when she is excited. Too, she looks for ways to steal food. Will she let us eat in peace? And finally, the play area is also her quiet time corner, where I can close her off if things aren't going well. How should I proceed if the kids are in there building with legos or lining up their toy cars and toy mice if she needs to be restrained for a while? Finally, how is bringing Goose into the mix going to affect the dynamic? Goose is on great terms with Henry and with most any dog. Can Sadey fit into this rather bonded dog duo? 

All good questions. I'm about to find out!

*     *.     * 

Just before the young family is to arrive, I decide to pack the two dogs in the car and take them for another brief run in the dog park. Honestly, it's easier than walking the two separately and hoping they'll do their stuff promptly. Or at least that Sadey will do her stuff. And I think a second wild run will calm them down for the evening.

It turns out to be a good idea. I didn't have to worry about some dog having an accident and I have to believe that some of Sadey's zoomies had fizzled out of her by the time the gang of six (3 kids, 2 parents and a dog) arrive, because Snowdrop remarks that Sadey is significantly less crazy than when we came home to her after school last week.  

True, Sadey was at first shell shocked by the tumult. Nor was she happy with the arrival of another dog. But, Goose is never phased by dogs and you could say he nipped her assertive stance in the bud. Peace prevailed thereafter. Indeed, it was wonderful for all the dogs (and therefore people): Henry loved having his friend, who understands him so well, to whom he could unload his current troubles. And Sadey found someone who would absolutely snuggle with her as much as she wanted. 

(closed eyes in bliss)

 

 

The kids wisely found their play stations and closed the gate behind them.

 

 

Sadey was so well behaved that I did not have to put her behind bars at all. And dinner? Well, all dogs wished the kids would throw them food, but the young ones had been warned that it was vitally important not to give them anything. Amazing how smoothly the meal progressed!

 

 

 

(no, I did not make pierogi... but I did bring out a pierogi I got for a school presentation this week!)

 

At the close of the evening, my daughter asked if I could manage a photo of her, the kids and the three dogs. I thought it would be impossible. Sadey never sits still long enough to be part of a complicated arrangement. Henry wont jump up on the couch if it's crowded and if she is there. 

Turns out I was wrong.

 

 

It was a great ending to an really challenging weekend. And dare I say it -- I think the toughest days are behind us.   

with so much love...