work in progress

Having gone through the first weeks with Henry -- another rescue dog from Texas -- in total learning mode, I am much more prepared for the vicissitudes and behavioral twists and turns that the first days (weeks?) with Sadey may bring. I know that the adjustments are huge -- for the dog and for you. Made bigger by there being the firstborn, as it were (though Henry is actually a year younger than Sadey). When my second daughter was born, I said (over and over) -- no one prepared me for the fact that with the second child, you actually get three relationships that you must learn to manage deftly: there's each child, individually, and then there is the two of them together. And now I'm just repeating myself -- there's Henry, there's Sadey and then there's how they are together. 

But the shock is far lesser than when Henry first came to live with me. That firstborn is always the biggest jolt. The rest -- well, you take it in stride. You're a pro now, right? 

Henry spent half the night downstairs by the gate, with Sadey on the other side, and the second half upstairs in his bed. I'm going to guess that it is when he went upstairs that Sadey soiled the downstairs carpet in her room. The anxiety of suddenly being alone. Or, she just has an upset tummy. Probably both.

My first order of operations then -- cleaning the carpet. Then walking dog number one...

Then number two...

I feel that I have a routine in place: feed dog number one, then number two, then myself.

Each day this week has a unique schedule. Many moving pieces that need careful coordination. Today I have my monthly cleaning service arriving at 10-ish. The house doesn't need a cleaning, but you cant just cancel at your pleasure. Monthly means monthly. I take Henry to doggie daycare and in dropping him off, I chat to Aimee, the director of their dog training programs. She does warn me that if my two fought over a toy, it could be that they can never play with toys in each others presence. I hope that's not the case. Henry has never been possessive with Goose. I know this is a different set up now, but I am very much hoping that after a period of adjustment, they'll reach a compromise. Toys keep both dogs stimulated. Of course, I can put up the gate and give them toys then, but my oh my, would I like not to go that route! 

Driving home, I think about where to take Sadey for the 90 minutes that the cleaning crew may claim. Maybe I can play with her a little before they arrive?

No I can't. In my absence, she had another upset tummy or anxiety-related accident. Out comes the carpet cleaner once again! I barely finish taking care of the mess before the crew arrives.

 

It's one of those rare drop-dead gorgeous February days. Normally we're so sick of winter by now that something akin to February depression sets in. But today is fabulous, so my time with Sadey is easily spent in our local park. Time to start learning her walking habits and to begin a modest training program. She seems to me to be one of those dogs that's got lots of street smarts, but is less attuned to people signals. She's affectionate, wants to please, but just doesn't (yet) know how. The walk is a good introduction to her -- much better than a stroll in the neighborhood where half the homeowners have signs asking you to please keep your pets off their lawn, and the other half have pooped-up grass strips. I've never seen such carelessness in a residential neighborhood. Is it that I'm in a block with lots of rentals? At the Edge, they threatened you with a $300 fine if they matched the pet litter with your dog. Here, there are lots of dogs and quite a lot of disregard for city pet waste ordinances. But in the park, it's glorious! Sadey sniffs everything! (She is also much more difficult to photograph, because unlike Henry, who majestically stands still to take it all in, this girl is constantly on the move.)

We have a splendid walk.

At home, I feel confident enough to take down the gate for now. I'll crate her when I have to go out. She may not be potty trained well, but she is fantastically at home in her crate, making it far far easier to go about my day with her here.

It feels strange to pamper and love each dog without the other there. It's like I'm cheating on one of them! And yet, here I am with Sadey, who is calm as can be, playing with Henry's toys. They're still exciting for her. All new. I probably should wash them before Henry comes home and realizes his box of toys has been raided!

Ed comes over for the afternoon. Sadey shows her one people anxiety: tall men. At least Henry is indiscriminate -- he hates first introductions with any gender, any height. Goose and Sadey are the classic rescues that fear masculinity in humans. 

As is his style, Ed ignores her. With Henry, it took no time at all for my pooch to warm up to him. With Goose? One long bark-filled visit. With Sadey? Somewhere in between the two. Ed sits, she's okay. Ed stands, she's on alert.  I stand next to him -- better. 

And Sadey shares this with Henry: someone passes by the house or comes toward the door -- she barks. She would not be a candidate for the Edge!

Evening. I'm following a routine. I had no kids today so it's easy: Walk Sadey, crate her. Drive to get Henry, bring him home, walk him, take him inside. Then walk Sadey again. For equality's sake.  Feed one, feed two, feed me. Henry wants to go out again. Weird, but hey, it's easy: no elevators. We walk briefly, come inside. Sadey! What are you doing on the wrong side of the gate?? It's not pushed open. Did she take a leap over it? Must have. Damn it. I line it with chairs with high backs, making the house look cluttered and clunky. 

Henry still naps by the gate. And I dont know why: to protect her? Or to protect us from her? A canine mystery! There are so many of them. And I;m sure I'll discover more tomorrow.

with so much love...