The Big Thaw

When I looked out the back door while letting round one of dogs out, this is what I saw. The temperature is rising and soon this will be a bad memory. With every new storm front, I have noticed a new ache in a new joint and I am ready for The Big Thaw............

Zeke does not seem to mind the chilly weather. He was happy to stay outside all day. On day one he refused to eat and was more than a little hard to handle. My back yard was a nice solid white blanket with one path tunneled by Wall-E the wonder dog. Not anymore. Zeke has managed to run and jump and sniff every square inch.

When he is ready, he will stand at the door and cry. He also cries every time he who brought him to this house walks out the door. I can come and go with out any fanfare on his part. That will no doubt change soon, since I am the one who prepares his food. He refused to eat the first day, even treats. He refused to obey the simplest of commands. When I tried to put his harness on he growled at me and nipped me. Did the same with his new master. He went into his kennel and stayed all night until he was let out. Then he went a little berserk. He has had several run-ins with the master of our universe, Oscar, and lost them all. At one point he was leaving bloody paw prints on the floor. Oscar has shed no blood. But he is a stubborn boy and is refusing to recognize that although Oscar may be in charge of the four legged universe; I am in charge of everything. He bit down on my hand, right in the joint that is swollen with arthritis. It was then that I considered him going to a rescue (no-kill, of course). I told he who already loves the new critter to start calling and I left for the afternoon.

I really needed to get out of here. I haven't had a car in two weeks and it was so good just to get out and get a fresh look at the world. When I returned he had calmed down a lot and all was well in our animal kingdom. Well, there is still the slobber .........

Oh, and the issue of walking on furniture. If you think Emmy looks terrified, she is. She was trying to leap into my arms. You will notice that Oscar is unconcerned and will not give up any ground (or couch, as it may be). Just look at he who is the man of the house ..............

I keep reminding myself that he is a puppy, that he is scared and confused. Who could be mad at that face?

Not this guy, that's for sure.

He really is cute and he is thawing out with us. No growling or biting today. Oscar took him down another notch today, but he seems to take it in stride as Oscar struts around after each battle. He kissed me today ............... then I showered.

I am learning a whole new level of patience. I have long since forgotten what it was like when I brought Louise home. St. Bernards have similar personalities and are just as stubborn. She only weighed 55 lbs when I got her and although it was hard, I could still pick her up (I was a lot younger then!). It is a lot easier to assert yourself if you are physically stronger.

Zeke is in his kennel and I am in my bed. All is right in the world ..............