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Current blog look inspired by and dedicated to Chance, Blaze, Fiona and Zappa who all kicked ass against cancer and liver disease.

Brut Quote

Brut Quote

Sunday, August 27, 2017

Love still found a way

As crazy as it might sound, I'm really OK with the dogs being separated.  Well, most of the time.  Of course it would be great if they could all be together, but as it stands now, it isn't possible.

It isn't the separation that bothers me, it is the aggression.  Eight years of Brut was enough for me to throw in the towel.  I used to think I wanted to work with aggressive dogs, but all those years of Brut steadily changed my mind.  It's another reason the separation doesn't bother me because I still get to keep all our dogs despite the fact that they can be aggressive and reactive with each other.  I still see it as a win-win.

There is also a real peace of mind.  It would've killed to have to give up any one them because they couldn't be together.  I still believe this is a viable solution and in many ways is kind of cool, like living in two different worlds.  There is also a little more personal time when you're only with two dogs at a time.  It has made for more quality time for everyone even though it is split between the two packs.

Ya know, we haven't had a fight in this house in three years and Brut has only been gone for two.  Pretty amazing.  The only reason this last one happened with Fiona and Blaze was because the separation door didn't shut all the way.  We were careless and in a rush and didn't notice it didn't shut. We are taking care of the door and being more aware whether it closes all the way or not.  Just another reminder of how our dogs are animals, with instincts that they act upon, whether we understand it or not.

So this isn't a bad deal.  Having four dogs divided in twos.  And it is hardly the end of the world because they are still "together" here with us and that makes the whole separation worth it.

If you really, really want something, love will find a way.

Wednesday, August 23, 2017

It is not meant to be

If I had any hope of the dogs merging as one, they were shattered the minute I broke up a dog fight between Fiona and Blaze.  And the more the fight plays in my head, the more I realized that it is not meant to be.  It is not meant for the Front Dogs and the Back Dogs to become one pack at least with current members.  I while I am hurt by the thought, I think I've known it all along.  

It is probably why Mark's busy schedule doesn't leave us any time to actually work on the two packs together.  Or why we can't afford a trainer and why there are no good trainers in our area.  We have come as far as we can be for now.  There is still some hope left for Zappa and Chance, but not at this time.  It is probably why we haven't pressed further for integration.  I don't know why or how, but I believe there is a reason for everything and for the dogs that means two packs.  

Something in our future why we are set up with a split house and yard?  Perhaps.  But I do believe it is time to let go of the notion of one pack for these guys.  One pack at a time.

Monday, August 7, 2017

Chance's Shopping Adventure

There was no stopping to get a picture.  Video would have been better as Chance and I sprinted through the isles of plywood and 2x4's.  I was still in shock that when the large glass doors parted, he looked up and walked right in.  My shy, nervous, hyper and anxious dog who had never been anywhere else, except the vet, walked into Lowe's Home Improvement store as if on a mission that only he knew.  We met up with Daddy who was looking at bolts and it was if Chance couldn't stand the waiting.  He wanted to stay on the move, so he started wooing with a low howl.  He didn't have time to stop, we were going somewhere and had to get going.  So I waved to hubby as Chance continued his search swiftly up and down the isles, until he reached the large loading dock.  Chance had found it!  Outside!!  His purpose of the mission:  to find the way out.  So much like me. I laughed.  We headed back to the Front Exit doors with Chance's mission accomplished.

You'd think that would be enough for the day, but our adventure didn't end there...

We headed out to buy dog food at our local Tractor Supply Co. and Chance lead the way.  His "find it" game for this store became very clear the moment we entered the store.  Lost nuggets of food on the floor.  He was in heaven.

The cashier came over and gave his scruffy neck a good scratching that came with a treat.  He took it eagerly.  I couldn't believe he didn't cower away when she went to pet him.  It was a high for all of us.  Another treat came as we checked out.  I think Chance was excited and enjoyed his outing with us.

It is so amazing to me how time, the right people and what positive exposure can do for a dog.  I couldn't say for sure if he would've been ready for this excursion, say a year or two before this, but I don't think I would have been.  I keep finding my security is the dogs safety net.  When I'm ready, they become ready.  So awesome isn't it?  One of the many differences of having mature dogs and having a lifetime together.  To be able to be patient with one another while growing and changing at the same time.  Taking challenges with each other and discovering new life every day.  This is the dream I'm living and we wouldn't have it any other way.