Stress Free Moments

Of course being the mother hen I can often be with my babies, I contemplate the night before who else is in need of some serious company and quiet time up front with us.

Yesterday I decided it was time for our girl Black N White Cookie. She is our beautifully voluptuous, plenty o junk in the tunk, big ball of clay herding x. An oh so very sweet & quiet girl who obviously hasn't had much time in her life to chase after those birds and squirrels she'd love to get her chompers into, being as um, sturdy as she is :) . If she had less poundage and a little more leverage those birds that dare to enter her bedroom would have a run for thier money. Miss Cookie is not showing herself to be a typical energetic herder. She's a big ball of clay! As soon as BWC came in she was automatically content. She layed right down and start to relax. I can sit with her on the floor and move her where ever I want her. I put her head on my leg and she just keeps her eys closed and leaves it there. Pull her leg up to rub her belly she leaves it there. When she knows and trusts you she really trusts you. I see this different sort of sadness in her eyes at times. Like she's not totally unhappy but rather that she just needs more. She happily lays in your lap to get cuddled. Be prepared to have done your lunges and squats cuz she's not a true lap dog unless you are AHNOLD and have won Mr Universe in the last few years. Bony legs? No worries, she could be happy even if all she could get was some spooning. Even though she's a demure gal don't think she doesn't still have some fire in her. She had a room across from our Big Bear and they were like two inmates hollerin' at each other about how they were going to shiv the other in the shower. Fortunately we gave them different accomodations so they were unable to practice their frustration. Gotta love the ones who will kiss and cuddle us talking monkeys and just as easily turn around and kill, bringing us an offering of the latest prize it's killed.I'd say that dual type personality would definitely be our Black N White Cookie. She is interesting at times when she lays right by the door with her nose at it like waiting for her chance to bolt yet when the door is open and she has her opportunity to go she doesn't even contemplate it. Sweet girl.

Next came my energizer bunny Oconnor. I had planned on Big Bear coming up next but staff showed me how they gave Oconnor a bath and how pretty he was when it reminded me how easily aroused and stressed he gets staying in his room with all the action going on. He looks like a pin ball that hit at the exact perfect spot so that it just keeps bouncing around from side to side. He's a sweet long legged wire haired Terrier x, skinny with a short scruffy face.He's one of what I call the "fakers" with a Nervous Nelly complex. He's the big talker threatening you, but if he were to be called on it, would run away screaming like a little girl. When it comes to other dogs he acts like a drunk Irishman looking for a brawl. (I'm Irish. I know)So I decided I wanted to introduced him to my female dog who plays a statue in dog interactions and stands completely still and half the time has no interest in sniffing the other dog. Well here our little Irishman comes in like gang busters but my girl just stays still and he gets his sniff on and once he realizes she's not assertive he was AFRAID of her. He stayed on the other side of the room and if she walked even in the direction he was in he would turn his head away as if to say I'm not here, I can't see you , don't hurt me. MY girl?! Afraid of my sissy girl who gets beat up by CATS? I was in awe. Having another dog very similar to him, I thought two peas in a pod. I mean once a nerd finds out a threat is really just another nerd, they will bond. Right? Well another keen staff member had the same idea about putting Mighty One & Oconner together. Well these two would no longer be sitting alone at the lunch table. Finally! A friend. It's always nice to find them playmates they enjoy.
The highlight for me ws to see Oconner so relaxed after to long a time. No stress. No panting, or pacing, just contentment. Time to stand on my lap and check things out and feel safe, play fetch in our tiny space and lie down to enjoy his chewy. It still amazes me how some of the dogs instantly relax up there with us when they were just moments before in such a high state of stress. Oconnor was a different dog up front. Happy calm and well behaved and who would give you kisses any time you requested them.One who will surely benefit more from time away from all the action.