Cane, new dog, more observations...
More interesting, to me, dog behavior observations: Silverwalk is "fostering" a senior Husky/Bernese/whatever mix neutered male named Cane. Cane is a very nice, large, strong dog even at 11 y/o. He seems to be good in the pack. When I brought him in, I let dogs out one at a time starting with Sassie. Sassie thinks she has to be Boss. We are doing some behavior modification to relieve her of her perceived responsibility. Cane was fine - Sassie stood tall, looked him in the eye and snarled; Cane walked away. Smart boy! However, he, too, wants to be a top dog, trying to hump both Jack (a fellow humper), Oxford and Bailey. I rescued Oxford, getting Cane off his head - yes, humping in neutered dogs is not a sexual thing - poor old Oxford. Jack and Cane,(in photo), into Cane's now 2nd day here, have worked things out - Jack has decided to be submissive to Cane. Bailey whips around and tells him off in no uncertain terms. She wants to play; otherwise, forget it, man.
After getting a chance to meet the larger, more emotionally and physically strong dogs, I turned out the littles. HA - Cane seemed overwhelmed, not knowing what these Dachsies, a Sheltie, a Beagle were going to do. It wasn't much, which is about what happened. He reminded me of Gulliver in Lilliput. Cane has had no issues, so far, with Katey, the blind Bloodhound. However, I have another thought about her.
Sassie (the Boss-NOT) really vocally reacts to Katey, whether or not Sassie is crated. After watching her with Cane, making eye contact to let him know she was not to be underestimated (or whatever she was communicating), it dawned on me if her over-reaction to Katey is she cannot look her in the eye! Katey's eyes are sunken, red blobs - no pupils, nothing to make them seem at all normal or responsive to Sassie's "directive."
I am still being careful about who is loose and who gets crated or penned when I am not at home, especially with a new guy in the pack. Cane was a very beloved pet to a man now needing to go into a nursing home. He had raised him since a puppy. Cane came to me heart worm negative, negative fecal, no fleas or ticks, and as I mentioned, in very good shape for his age. His owner was a very good, loving owner who almost did not come out to tell him "good-bye." I am glad we were able to make room for him. Bailey goes to her new home on Monday - yeah, Bailey! - so, we had an "open" spot, sort of :).
Another observation - I can't leave Sheila on the lawn swing as she won't jump down of her own accord! She had been sitting with me getting petted while I watched dog interactions. Then, I got busy with photos and videos of Cane, then feeding, suddenly wondering where Sheila was. Well, the Princess was still on the swing, barking for her servant to free her for lunch. Oui, madame! Mea culpa!
Houndsong: Agnes rides with me most everywhere these days. Should you see a car running with a grey muzzled dog in it, it is probably us. I leave the AC on so Aggie doesn't get overheated. She had a tough day Thursday. I fear she will not tolerate the length of time left on earth I had hoped for her :(. However, we stopped at Panera's for supper. She chewed on a "bone" while I ate supper. She then shamelessly sat up and stared at a very tolerant couple who came out to enjoy their meal in peace. Agnes, you beggar!
Margie's birthday will be celebrated June 21. She is having a virtual birthday party. I am asking one and all to send good wishes, prayers, donations of time, compassion and foster care to other thrown away dogs, and random acts of kindness to whomever may need it in your lives in honor of Margie, the Mutt Puppy.
BTW, Houndsong is an addendum added after the initial publication of Cane's entry. FYI!
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