Sometimes having two packs sucks

There have been many advantages and disadvantages to living with two packs of dogs.  Not exactly my dream situation, but we've learned to manage our time and attention with both packs by balancing between the two.  If you add our two cats, it is actually three sets of pairs we are dealing with.  For whatever reason they can not all get along together.  While there are a few exceptions, most of the time they have to be apart from each other.

I don't know if I could do this again when the next phase of our lives comes.  Maybe for temporarily purposes but not 11 years worth.  This whole plan of dividing the dogs started as a must, only to find out after years of trying to bring the two dog packs together, that it was not going to happen.  It is still hard to admit that now.  I had doubts, but I also believed in the possibility of they could mesh as a unit.  While lack of socialization is part of it, the bigger influence comes down to Daddy Dog Brut's genes and the way he was raised with aggression.  Because Fiona has no reaction when we run into any other dogs out and about, yet is the vicious one with the Front Dogs, Chance and Blaze.  Fiona will attack.  And has been that way from the first day Blaze came back to live with us, after her owners returned her.

For the most part I accepted life with two packs and for the most part the positives outweighed the negatives.   Though there were many times when I was following other bloggers or knew of people around me that brought new dogs into their home with skill and ease that I couldn't.  No matter what I tried, read, or witnessed, I couldn't change Brut's aggression and that it was passed on to his kids.  They were never going to accept each other.  Even with the "help" of a trainer and a behaviorist  I found I was further along without them.

And so the beat goes on...going from one side to the other, taking turns when there are treat games and the ruffling of furs at the separation door.  It is the never ending saga that is our life right now.  It is trying, it can be very difficult and sometimes it is no fun, but to have all four dogs in our lives...priceless.

Doggie Dynamics

When you live with 2 packs of dogs, the dynamics are constantly changing.  While in each pack there is an Alpha male and an Alpha female, if they were left to their own devices one pack would take out the other.  Which is why they are divided in the first place.  But there is another dynamic that considers the totality of the 2 packs and makes them a whole unit.  This is where it gets really interesting because it is in this whole unit when all the members are fighting for the position of being next to an Alpha human.  They compete for my attention to be the number two.  This has nothing to do with the other dogs.  Their focus is on me.

Every time I'm with the Front Pack, (Chance and Blaze) Fiona will bark and bark by the sliding glass door.  Not to go out, but she is vying for my attention.  Zappa does the same thing, but is more direct about it.  For example, if treats are involved with the Front Dogs, Zappa demands my attention away from the Front Dogs.  Sure, he wants treats too, but he's also driving for equality or complete control of the situation.

And the Front Dogs are the same way.  When I'm on the Back Dogs side (Zappa and Fiona) Blaze will bark and bark to pull me from the Back Dogs to her side.  Even if it is only for a moment or two.  She wants that reassurance that she is my #2 dog.  Chance who used to hardly bark, has now found his voice after the fight he had with Blaze.  He took the Alpha position from Blaze and is now top dog of the Front Dogs.  He too now uses his voice to draw me in his center for the reassurance of being #2 with me.

If that wasn't complex enough, if the truth was known, the position they are all vying for, that #2 placement, is the one I had with Brut. (their father)  Total equality and a sharing in the Alpha human position.  Brut was as close to an Alpha dog as was possible to me.  Most decisions about the packs we made together, especially with the Back Dogs as they were Brut's pack. 

So of course the dynamics took a fatal blow when Brut died.  Most of the impact was cushioned by Silver(Momma Dog).  So much so that there was very little changed in the hierarchy.  This is until Silver died and the monarchy collapsed and has been in the process of rebuilding, even two years later.

This is where I find myself and the packs today.  One thing I have always strive for is equality among all the dogs.  If someone gets a treat, they all get a treat, time, training, etc.

And now I'm beginning to question myself in this strategy and wonder if it fits with these two packs of dogs with such dynamics?  Maybe being equal with them is hindering some of their placement questions that they are fighting for?  Does it take a little more to realize that Chance (my heart dog) is the next second Alpha to me?  He already has Zappa's attention.

Or am I to be the Alpha to them on an individual basis?  Striving for all their unique qualities?  Must I change with the dynamics?  Or stay the solid rock they need as they twist and turn into their new positions of beings?

Time will only tell.

See, Zappa ad Fiona are equal Alphas to each other.  They take turns being the boss.  Whereas Chance doesn't.  He broke away from being equal to Blaze when he challenged her in that last fight.  I wonder if he is trying to be my equal?

This has been happening slowly for the past couple of years.  I swore I would never have another equal like Brut.  I still don't know that I'd ever be ready or want it, yet here it is happening all along.  Once I accept that, everything is going to change again.

And the cycle of life continues...

Change in the Hierarchy

You wouldn't think that a change in status could cause so much disruption between two dogs.  But it does.

It's been about three and a half months since that significant fight (read: here) between Chance and Blaze.  The fight that started when I started to fix their dinner.  All the dogs were over anxious and quite hyped up when Chance and Blaze got into it.  I called their names.  They didn't stop.  I believe it escalated into a challenge from that point, because they kept at it.  I also believe that is when everything changed.  Nothing between Chance and Blaze has been the same since.

Blaze has always been the Alpha girl and Chance has been the Alpha boy, but it was always Blaze that had the final decision about anything.  And now it is just the opposite, except Chance is a bit more aggressive than Blaze was as head boss. It changes the whole mood and character of the Front Dog's headquarters and I don't know that I like it.

It is really hard to describe what I'm seeing, but what has really changed is Chance's demeanor.  The way he carries himself.  The way he looks and acts like a primitive being.  Like he's gone back to some deep root in his ancestry and this new creature has emerged.  Something like what I saw with Brut when he would pull rank, yet it was more natural for Brut.  He was a born leader, but Chance acts like this skin is too big for him.  Chance's demeanor isn't flowing as a natural course of action.  He is struggling with it.  Is it because I can not accept it or know how to?  Or is he just trying to find his way into this new skin he's obtained?  I don't know but I'm sure there are plenty more questions that will follow.

And as for Blaze, she has developed a fear of Chance that seems neither of us humans are able to soothe.  She just stays out of Chance's way.  Chance and Blaze's relationship has always reminded me more of a husband and wife than brother and sister.  And now even more so, they remind me of Brut and Silver, with Chance getting all the attention and Blaze in the shadows. It is like a repeat of history, although with less aggression than Brut had.  I make a point to spend quality time with Blaze, but she always seems so leery, like she's always watching her back.  I can't believe my confident little girl needs to regain her confidence all over again.

I don't know how I feel about this change of power.  It makes me uncomfortable and is unsettling to say the least.  I am trying to understand to the best of my ability, but it is a bit daunting.  I probably sound over dramatic.  He hasn't grown horns and started stalking Blaze or anything drastic like that.  lol  It is just different.  Like when you run into someone you know and they got a new haircut.  You notice something is different, but you can't quite place your finger on it.  And the more you study them, the more you notice that something is definitely different.  I'd say that is how it feels for me.  This is me flushing it out to get a feel for what has happened between Chance and Blaze.

If you read this far thanks for reading.  Have you ever  experienced a change of hierarchy in your dog packs? 

Husky Heaven- the Snow Paths

We are buried in a couple feet of snow.  At least!  Daddy Mark has been making snow paths with the snow blower, since we first got snow in December.  Good thing too, because we keep getting more and more snow as winter carries on.

The snow blower adds to the snow total, as you'll see in this first video of the front yard. It is more like 3 feet of snow out there. Daddy Mark and the Front Dogs take you on a tour of their snowy world.

Watch on YouTube

It wouldn't be a complete tour if we didn't take you in the backyard with Daddy Mark and the Back Dogs.  This is Zappa and Fiona's snowy world.

Watch this one on YouTube

Can you believe how deep it is?  It has been a good five years since we had this much snow.  Just this past week we had snowstorm after snowstorm to add to the accumulation!  It has been a crazy winter!  Stay warm and stay safe!

What's the weather like where you are at?

Front Dogs and the Burning Bush!

Happy Friday!

Hi there!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!!

Close Encounter of the Dog Kind

For those of you new to the 24 Paws of Love we have four dogs that are made up into two packs each in pairs. They each their own yards and their own sides of the house, with only a door between them.  We call this the separation door, which we must always keep shut because the pairs don't get along with each other.  We've had a handful of fights caused by our own carelessness of not making sure the door is shut all the way when going back and forth between the packs.  

This was one of those times... 

Zappa was barking and pawed at the door that separates the two packs.  Chance headed towards the door from the other side.  I noticed that Zappa's bark was coming through rather clear.  As I ran to the door, Zappa and Chance were slowly backing up away from the door.  It had been pushed about a foot open.  I slammed it shut, everyone barking in fear of what could have happened.  So close.  So very close.

Although I was impressed that both Zappa and Chance backed away at the same time.  Neither really wanted a confrontation.  And since those two have never fought when faced with each other they had no intentions of doing so now.  Thank goodness Fiona was behind Zappa and a little slower to the action, or she would have burst through and started a fight.  

Whew!

Talk about being grateful!!

Somebody up there loves us

.

So is the life of living with two packs of dogs.

The "Puppies" 10th Birthday Party

♪Happy Birthday to You...♬ 

First was presents!

One for Fiona... 

And one for Zappa! 

 Fiona was very frustrated, that there was no squeaky, just a voice box.  She wasn't impressed.  

Thank God there was stuffing to grab out!

lol!

Zappa wasted no time... 

 tearing the crap out of the dog head.  lol

 She can smile!!

Then it's to the Front Pack for their birthday gifts...

where you can hear the barking of the toy's voice box.
The Front Dogs were excited at first, but not overly impressed.

Chance kept looking for the " barking dog."

Then it was time for cake!

Fiona gulped hers down, while Zappa was still licking the cottage cheese frosting!

And while we couldn't set the cakes down in front of the Back Dogs for a shot like this,(Fiona!) my trusty Front Dog may have had a hard time but got the shot for us.

CHOW TIME!

This is the most we've done for a doggie birthday party, including balloons and hats (which didn't go over too well).  But we had fun and I think the dogs did too.  And any ways it is such a milestone, with hopefully many more to come.

Happy Birthday Kids!

Have you ever gone all out on a birthday celebration for your dogs?  Tell us about it in comments!

Black/White Sundays-Precious Moments (Front Dog Version)

Chance

Blaze

Back Dog/Front Dog Observations

For new readers we have two packs of dogs, the Front pack and the Back pack.  The Front Dogs consist of Chance and Blaze.  The Back Dogs are Brut, Silver, Fiona and Zappa.  We separated them when Chance and Blaze were returned to us (two pups from Brut and  Silver's litter) as the Back Dogs wouldn't accept them into their pack.  You can read more on the Two Packs HERE.

I had a little incident with Brut.  It was totally my fault and don't worry, nobody even made contact with each other.  It was over food (of course) and I watched how leery Brut got when I got the treats out.  He became so edgy and ready to strike which got me thinking later how the Front Dogs (Chance and Blaze) give me an opportunity to see what life is like without a dominant leader hovering over their every presence.  While there is only two of them, male and female, they are the leaders of their pack I don't know how they would act with a third or fourth dog 'underneath' them.

 

Between the Front Dogs there is only a slice of food aggression.  It does happen on occasion that there is a fight, but it is very rare.  Maybe once a year.  Chance has been known to push Blaze's buttons many a time during play and again on a rare occasion he pushes too far. 

Since they are only two dogs and only have each other, I really wonder how they would act with another dog added to their pack once they got past the accepting stage.  I don't know.  Hard to answer. 

Because one thing the Front Dogs don't have is Brut.  They don't have him controlling them to keep in his line.  Chance and Blaze don't have to worry or watch every step they make, like the Back Dogs.  The Front Dogs are constantly able to come and go with each other, with only each other to answer to.  They essentially have more freedom and less demand, which I think gives them their playfulness with each other.  Chance and Blaze are nothing short of playing chase games and bantering with each other.  While the Back Dogs under Brut's guise are more conservative and reserved.  It is like all the stars have to be aligned to have a game of chase.  Or maybe they have just grown out of it.  Or maybe there is something else I don't know going on.  Since I never had more than three dogs at a time, I've never experienced such a degree of pack mentality like I do with the Back Dogs.  It blows my mind sometimes how the Back Dogs can be so relaxed just exploring the backyard or sit and listening to the sounds.  There is an air of experience among them and in many ways they have outgrown the Front Dogs mentally.  It's something I can't really explain, there's just something different that is collective as they have learned to work together under Brut's throne.  Like pulling all the directions of the wind together and upwards.  Powerful.

One of the best things that happened was when the tarps blew down on the double fence that was blocking the two sets of dogs.  My biggest concern was when Blaze went into heat this past summer.  I was afraid there would be more fighting between the boys and there wasn't.  In fact it went almost unnoticed.  Which has help to create a bond between the two packs on a more physical level, seeing each other and interacting together.  When Chance and Blaze were playing one time in front of the fence, I saw Fiona do a playbow to them!  It was so cool.  This past year there has been less threatening barks and more of excitement, play and curiosity.  They have never howled outside, but it would be such a joy to see if that ever happened.

Slowly we are moving along and moving together.  And while I didn't plan it that way, nor did I think we were going to move along so slowly, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Each step is a step closer to something I'm still not sure will ever really happen.  Merging the two packs.  And even as I say that, I still see signs of hope that it will.  One paw at time, things will happen in their own time the way they were meant to be.  And that is just right with me.

What have we been doing??

I've been spending quite a bit of time with the Back Dogs recently.  For those of you who are new and may not know, we have two separate packs of dogs, the Front Dogs and the Back Dogs and recently the Back Dogs have been getting a bit more attention.  It isn't conscious or for any particular purpose except enjoying the gobs of peace and harmony between the four of them.

It has been almost a year since I noticed the two packs start to settle down within their arrangement and routines.  It is a place I thought I could have only dreamed of.  Now almost a year later, there seems to be even more contentment as we have continued to work with Brut and his aggression that is bringing such positive and longer lasting results and is also being felt throughout both packs.  It has simply been amazing.

My directness has been focused on the strongest formed pairs:  Brut-Silver and Zappa-Fiona.  And since Chance and Blaze only have each other, they are quite advanced in this area.  They have also had almost my full attention since they came back over three years ago and now it is time to turn the tables.   

I've been using little cups of jello or veggies with the Back Dogs, so that they can try some new foods.  Being that Chance and Blaze have the advantage of being in the kitchen, they are spoiled in taste testing and I figure the Back Dogs need a good shake at trying out some new foods.  This is also teaching them to take turns and being less grabby with food.

 Can you keep an eye on Ms. Grabby??

Would you believe of Brut and Silver with Brut have the food aggression I have a bigger problem with Silver?  She doesn't seem to care that it is Brut she is dealing with and will push her way closer to him and try to snatch anything of his that falls.  You'd think she was starving and thinks every scrap of food is hers even if it is  Brut's.  Brut on the other hand has laser focus on the food and when I feed him jello I use a spoon so he has to think a little bit about what he is doing.  A lot caution goes into when I work with them two.  Studying their body language and quick reflexes has kept everything very positive.  :)

 Zappa calculating snout to snout closeness with Fiona

Fiona can be a bit food resourceful as well and she likes to keep Zappa at bay.  I don't force Zappa to come any closer than he is comfortable.  He can be so skittish that he will opt of the whole thing if he doesn't feel safe, so I let him choose his place as long as it is within reach.  Fiona has learned a great deal in a short amount of time about taking turns.  Something she wasn't very good at.  She's so much like her Daddy Brut in that way, but what I have witness between her and Zappa has been amazing.

  Did she say we get the summer off?

And since the Front Dogs, Chance and Blaze are levels above the rest of the family, for now I am just enjoying what they have achieved so far.  I really haven't thought much about where to go next with them and I'm really doing great with that.  They have had me to themselves for so long, it is time they let their parents and siblings do some catching up!  I'm sure there is something we all need to be working on and when it comes it will be the right time and place for it.  Just as everything we've done has been.  It is so nice to sink a little further in my chair and relax as each day goes by.  Yes, the 24 Paws of Love have already leaped mountains, now it's time to climb a foothill for a while.  :)      

Duo Energies

Like differences between every individual dog, each of our packs has their own unique energy and the healing powers they possess.  It still fascinates me to this day.

 The Front Pack has a high, playful energy.  Always full of exuberance and life.  Chance and Blaze still have that puppy innocence about them.  They are light hearted and carefree with a devotion of gratitude that never seems to die.  Their blessings carry over into everything they do.  Their loves flows so freely you can sit and drink it in.  Their spirit is addictive and there are so many reasons when I feel drawn to these two love birds and their tender, undying spunk.

 The Back Dogs energy is a bit more difficult to describe.  It is big and powerful with a love that is center on strength.  They are solid like an anchor and there is a confidence and maturity that is multiplied in a wisdom that comes from beyond their years.  Their love reverberates through their spirits like the quiet mightiness of a grand mountain.  Their maturity and strength draw me in when I need that rock to stand on.  I don't know how many times the five of us have just sat together listening to the wind.

The difference can be felt by just walking through the door that separates them.  Sometimes, depending where I am at emotionally, I can spend most of my time on one side or the other.  For a while I felt guilty favoring one pack over the other, until they that taught me that they understood my needs beyond my own comprehension and I learned to listen to them.  You'd be amazed at the amount of communication that goes on between these walls.

Two Packs, but always 24 Paws of Love

School Play vs. Broadway

Waggy Tail Schools Proudly Presents:
 I'VE GOT YOUR TAIL!

Starring:  Chance and Blaze

The Front Dog's playtime is like two little kids who just conjured up an act minutes before their parents came home and ad lib the entire show.  Their fun, playful energy radiates through every leap and bound.  They will perform without an audience, but are ever so grateful when there is one and  welcome the chance of an active participate.  Blaze will watch out of the corner eye to catch if I'm watching, "Look mom, did you see that?"  With a smile on her face as she twist and tumbles with acrobatic style and joy that brings a smile to my face.  There are no rules or boundaries to their homemade production, just pure abandon fun.  Just a couple of kids with the pure simple beauty of enjoying every minute improvising their entire way through while getting a complete kick out of entertaining me.

*************************************************************

 Broadway Theater Proudly Presents:
WILL THE REAL STAR PLEASE FACE FORWARD

Leading Cast Members:  (l to r) Brut, Fiona, Zappa and Silver

Then as we shuffle to the Back Dog's playtime, we see that the Broadway rehearsal is underway again.  I am the stage hand to four actors and actresses who also serve as the directors.  While I fuss with the necessary nuances of their demands, practice is already getting out of control.

Brut:  Where is my lighting??  It needs to be focused on me!!
Me:  Yes, yes...
Fiona:  And then I'll zip over here and turn around this corner...hey, are you paying attention to me?  (exit stage left) Make up, where's my makeup??

(Brut mounts Silver)

Silver:  Really Brut?  How many times do we have to "go over" that part??  I have a headache!
Me:  Zappa! Zappa!  You missed your cue...
Zappa:  (SNAP) Did you see that?  I caught three bugs right in a row!  THREE!! It's a new record!!  I gotta go for four!!
Brut:  Don't pay no attention to that off beat kid of mine...Hey, stage hand focus!  You do want all of the light shining on me, right??  (rubbing against my leg) I am the star of the show, you know!!

Fiona zooms through batting her freshly painted lashes and eyes.

Fiona:  Dream on, DAD, it is my angelic beauty that will steal the show...(play bows to Brut)
Brut:  Not if I can help it!
(Fiona zips and zags just out of Brut's reach)
Brut:  No way princess!!  (runs and jumps on me)  I am still your STAR, aren't I??
Me: Yes, yes of course Brut...
Fiona:  Wait a minute, I thought I was the STAR??
Me:  You both are.

(Brut and Fiona look at each other and in a huff turn and walk in opposite directions.)

Silver:  I remember when this used to be all MY show!  (gives me sad, pouting eyes and slowly ambles away)
Zappa: FOUR!!  I got four!  (looks around) Are we done??
Me:  (SIGH)

Then in that strange theatrical way when the Sun, Earth and stars line up, the lights dim, the curtain rises, and the Back Dogs put on the best show of their lives.  All four of them in sync, in motion, with an awe inspiring grace that sets the stage on fire.  The heavens bow,  while the trees wave a majestic standing ovation as this magical production comes alive and this humble stagehand witnesses the beautiful gifts that we have all come to know as the Back Dogs.

Don't blink.  Rehearsal starts again tomorrow!

The Hunters

 I was starting to get concerned that the dogs were never going to wake up out of their summer coma.  Once the cooler fall weather started to settle in, my fears were evaded.  WHEW!

In the spirit of their energy, the Front Dogs and I were chasing squirrels.  Something I have done several times with the Back Dogs, but for some reason never engaged the Front Dogs with play hunting.  Blaze was already standing up on a pine tree, whining, as a squirrel must have recently went by.  So we ran from tree to tree, searching for that measly squirrel.  Both dogs jumped right into the game.  Blaze was so razzed up that she jumped and froze when Chance sneezed.  The whole game was fun and quite hilarious.  I wondered why I hadn't thought it before with them.  Well we did what we could, but no squirrel was to be found.

Although later when I came back out, I discovered the hunt had not been for a squirrel, but a chipmunk that Blaze had caught and was carrying in her mouth!! Which she claims is just as tasty if not more so than squirrel!!

The Real Truth

Kristen from Rescued Insanity expressed some concern about getting a second dog after walking two dogs together.  And I have been thinking about her post and my own thoughts and feelings of having 6 dogs. 

It is not easy.  And I will be upfront and admit, that I do not always like it.  It is easy to get overwhelmed and frustrated.  I am not one who works well under pressure nor am I one of those people who just soars easily through the day.  I feel every pain and frustration and ache of sorrow that comes and have wished more than once that I could run away from all of it.  I can't do anything without a dog needing in or out, nor is there a room in the house that does not have a dog or cat in it, when I need time to myself.  

Just before Blaze came back, I was starting to gain some ground on having 4 dogs.  After all the puppies had left, going from 12 dogs to 4 dogs, was a breeze.  Blaze's return was a shock to my system.  When we said we would take any puppy back, we never dreamed it would actually happen.  When the four Back Dogs wouldn't accept Blaze, a tornado of panic set in.  What were going to do?  To make matters worse, Blaze came back a shell of herself from the beatings, being locked up and shot with a pellet gun.  There was nothing more heart wrenching than seeing your own puppy with all the love in her eyes beaten out of her.  It tore me to pieces.  Then when Chance was also returned, the case load doubled.  All of this occurring when Brut and Zappa's challenges were intensifying between them.  This was not what I had planned.  And it was hard.  It was scary.  And it was one the biggest challenges I had ever faced owning dogs and I wanted out.  So many times.  So many ways. Did I mention that I still had to live life while all of this was happening? It was just too much for this one person to handle.

If it wasn't for the dogs themselves, I wouldn't have done it. And I wouldn't have done it if it wasn't for the dogs.  My own Catch-22.  Those days when it all came together were the tie breakers.  Because most of the time, I was running on empty and struggling to meet everyone's needs.  The guilt was consuming.  Back Dogs, Front Dogs and each individual needed something and it seemed all at the same time.  And I have never been good at juggling time, energy, and space nor am I good at keeping a schedule.  Being a stay-home-dog mom, I didn't have the luxury of a set amount of time away..  My husband on the other hand worked so many hours, wasn't able to spend much time with the dogs and that left the bulk of the weight on my shoulders.  I was pretty well burnt out after the puppies and Blaze showed up only 3 months after they had all left, with Chance to follow.  Yet as our home has begun to settle this past year due to the constant commotion, I am beginning to find that place of acceptance.   There is an inner peace, that in no way lessen the load, but that has brought about an understanding and awareness out of all the chaos that has dominated our lives.  

One thing I have never doubted was my responsibility to any of the dogs.  It is something I have always taken seriously and without question.  Though the amount of that accountability has taken it's toll on me in many different ways and progress has taken time, lots of time and patience.  It has taken every bit of that pain and glory for the 24 Paws of Love to be where they are today and I can honestly say I don't regret any of it.  Which of course is easy to say, when you are looking back.  There are still many days when I wish for the simplicity of one dog or two.  But like my dogs, I am stubborn and headstrong when it comes to them and I really couldn't have our experience or my life any other way.  It has been more than worth it because every ounce of progress the dogs made triumphed all the tragedy and you can't set a number on that. 

Kristine gave a salute to those of us who have multiple dogs.  And I found myself thinking about that honor to myself, something I rarely do.  For this little slice of time, I have taken it and have held it close to my heart.  The last person I would ever sit up and take notice for is myself.  Kristen's words hit home, and made me take a closer look at being a dog mom, under unique and trying circumstances.  When I walked Fiona today, I actually thought to myself, "Yeah, I am a pretty cool dog mom."  Fiona looked back and agreed.  :)

Thank you Kristine, I can not begin to express what you did for me.  (my husband tells me the same thing every day would like to know your secret, since I never listen to him!)

And thank you to every dog blogger who has been part of this incredible journey.  I have needed every single one of you so that I may have at least an ounce of sanity left.  :) 

But, I still need a vacation!!  :)

What the Front Dogs did on their Summer Vacation

Bobbing for treats

As the Dog Days of Summer wind down and the unofficial end draws near, one of the highlights for the Front Dogs was their first pool, something we have always wanted to get them. Chance has always had a thing for water, but Blaze has that Husky respect for it and won't even go in a lake.  So I was rather surprised when Blaze got in with all four paws.

On your mark... get set...

 
For the most part the pool was a gigantic water bowl, but after a hot walk, they surprised me by getting their paws in the water for a cool drink. I helped things along with playing "bob for treats," a game they both loved.  When some of the treats sunk, Chance tried his best to paw the treat out.  He decided early on, he wasn't going to get his pretty little nose wet.  That's when Blaze surprised me even more by sticking her whole face in the pool to get that goodie.

Now she expects me to go scuba diving for the darn thing!  That woman is crazy!!

Show off!!  

Wimp Dog!!

So what did you do that was fun, new and exciting this summer??

Front Dogs vs. Back Dogs-Gratitude

One of the biggest differences between the Front and Back Dogs, is the Front  Dogs permeate gratitude.  Being that they were part of our litter and were returned to us abused and neglected, gratitude seems to radiate from them.  It is constant even two years later and is like a special gift they carry around always full of thanks.

The Back Dogs whom we have had since they were all puppies, have never went without anything.  They have never known what it is like on the "other side."  Their needs have always been met, they have never suffered a blow or been locked up for extended periods of time.  They have always been cared for and have never known what it is like to be unloved.

The Front Dogs are very patient.  They never ask for anything , but wait until one of us comes in the room to let us know their needs, including to go out.  They are more affectionate than the Back Dogs and lap up any attention they are given.  They are understanding and forgiving and always seem to know just what we need.  They are very compassionate and loving souls who are just happy to be here.

The Back Dogs on the other hand would be considered spoiled next to the Front Dogs.  They are more demanding and forthcoming with their needs.  They have never known any different life than asking for what they want and do so without any fear.  The Back Dogs have lived in a stable and secure environment and have no concept of being hurt for days, weeks or months at a time like the Front Dogs were.  They have never missed a meal unless it was of their own choosing or they were sick.  All the Back Dogs have ever known is being loved and cared for and being treated as such.

The Front Dogs gratitude still blows my mind until this day.  They seem to appreciate us just being here and accept our time between the two packs.  Their gratitude seems to always be flowing, like they have sunshine in their hearts.  It is a quiet magic that makes them have this twinkle in their eye and shimmers through their body, somehow knowing how very lucky they are to be home.  There is just something different about Chance and Blaze that still catches my breath and brings tears to my eyes.   There is nothing more beautiful than sharing in the little bit of heaven that glimmers in these two dogs who have overcome odds that the Back Dogs will never have to know.

I don't know if the consensus is true with all rescue dogs, but I have found through forums and other blogs that other dog owners have discovered the gratitude ringing through with their rescue or shelter dogs.  Have any of you found the same thing?

 

SPECIAL BULLETIN-The Death of Barney

We have just learned there has been a tragic accident that you may want to gather the children until you are ready to break the news to them.  Barney, that lovable children's dinosaur is dead.  We are getting a live report from the scene at the 24 Paws of Love and from what we understand involves a certain pair known as the Front Dogs. 

Jean, are you there?

Tom, I'm here with the Front Dogs from the 24 Paws of Love where it looks as if Barney was buried alive.  If you look closely you will see his feet sticking out from the dirt along with Chance and Blaze who in their digging frenzy say they "accidentally" buried Barney in the process.  Here's what the Front Dogs have to say:  

Jean: "Chance and Blaze, can you tell us what happen here?"

Chance:  "I love you, You love me, We're a happy family.  I love you, You love me..."
Blaze:  "Chance, SHUT UP!!"

Jean:  "It seems Chance is in some sort of Barney trance.  Blaze, can you tell us what happened?" 

Blaze:  "Well, we were trying to dig for squirrels and Barney opposed the idea, being the "loving fool" he is.  He started singing that stupid song over and over, trying to stop us, until Chance joined in with him and well, that's when the milkbone crumbled.  I just kept digging and looking for squirrels.  I don't know how Barney got under all the dirt...!" 

Jean:  "And there you have it Tom, right from the dog's mouth.  All Barney wanted to do was share his love with all of the woodland creatures only to come to his own demise trying to express that love.  Children everywhere will be heartbroken as they remember this sad day for the rest of their lives.  


Blaze do you have any last words?"

 Mission accomplished!

***********************************************

Thanks to Life with Dogs, The Two Cavaliers, and Confessions of the Plume.

Lessons in Photography

We are working on designing a new header, so I decided to try and get some shots of the dogs.  I started with Zappa and Fiona, because my chances of getting all four Back  Dogs in a shot are about as good as winning the lottery.  So I figure I will start with the pairs.

These turned out pretty good, except I couldn't get either to look at the camera at the same time.  Then I had it.  The perfect shot.  Zappa was sitting down and Fiona was lying in front of him...I had it except my perfectionism played tricks with me as I fussed around trying to center the picture around a bucket on the ground that could have been cropped out when Zappa move and the moment was over.  I'm still kicking myself for that one.

We are working on designing a new header, so I decided to try and get some shots of the dogs.  I started with Zappa and Fiona, because my chances of getting all four Back  Dogs in a shot are about as good as winning the lottery.  So I figure I will start with the pairs.

These turned out pretty good, except I couldn't get either to look at the camera at the same time.  Then I had it.  The perfect shot.  Zappa was sitting down and Fiona was lying in front of him...I had it except my perfectionism played tricks with me as I fussed around trying to center the picture around a bucket on the ground that could have been cropped out when Zappa move and the moment was over.  I'm still kicking myself for that one.

So then I took a wild gamble and tried for all four Back Dogs together.  I couldn't believe it, they were all together in one spot.  Nobody was moving, Brut didn't know if I had treats or not, I had their attention except for Fiona. Just keep shooting, she'll turn around.   Moments like this don't come along every day....INTERNAL MEMORY FULL!  WHAT??  You've got to be kidding me!!  I didn't have my SD card and I couldn't move to go get it. ...NOOOOOOOOO!!  I couldn't believe it.  It was the best shot I've ever seen of the four of them together and I only got two shots.  All I could do was give them their treats and watch as everyone scattered.  The moment was blown and there was no going back.  I tried a few more times to get everyone together, but it just wasn't going to happen.  :(  Maybe tomorrow?

One last chance for a good shot with my trusty Front Dogs, Blaze and Chance.  I think this photo says it all of how my photo shoot went:

  Did you say play dead??

Monday Memories-A Look Back

 The Back Dogs

Our lives have been in heartache, pain and joy for the past three years.  When  Alex died we were devastated, then six months later Silver gave birth to ten healthy puppies.  In three months all of the puppies found homes, and we were left with what we now call the Back Dogs, Daddy Dog Brut, Mommy Dog Silver, and their two puppies, Zappa and Fiona.  Things were just starting to simmer down, when four months later one of our puppies from our litter, Blaze came back home from an abusive owner.  Suddenly our home was in chaos again as we had to separate Blaze from the others because the Back Dogs wouldn't accept her.  Thankfully Chance, another puppy from our litter came back home four months after Blaze and they would be known as the Front Dogs.  What a blessing as Chance and Blaze's owners were related and Chance and Blaze practically grew up together.

  The Front Dogs

The experience was overwhelming and painful as we did our best to help in healing the Front Dogs wounds from their previous owners as well as heal Brut and his aggressions.  It was a rocky and winding road with many twist and turns.  It was a difficult time and we struggled with knowing what to do sometimes.  Then there were days when everything seem to fall in place and there was peace that let us know everything was alright and that we were doing the right thing.

Looking back it was a stressful time but a wonderful time of growth and healing for all of us and what seemed so strange in the beginning has become our normal.  Six dogs divided into two packs, a divided house and yard have become a natural way of life.  Our family is beginning to settle into our routines and we are finding stability and grounding in our home that has been in upheaval since Alex died.  We have been able to really sit back, relax and enjoy our time with our two packs.  I don't know if they will ever be integrated but we are OK with that because for now we are enjoying our family right where they are at. We are really beginning to savor this new stable period and enjoy the progress everyone has made.  It's like finally being able to breathe a quiet sigh of relief, soak in the happiness and take some time to enjoy our odd family.  And isn't that what family is all about?