Dynamics of The Rescue Dogs’ Pack

It’s been about 2 and 1/2 weeks since Sophie came to live with me and Jasper. In just the past few days we’ve finally settled in together. It’s been interesting to observe the transition.

Jasper was appalled that another dog was in his house. He wanted nothing to do with her for quite a while. Sophie would try to engage him in play and he’d grumble at her and walk away. A few times, though, he’d start playing, then remember he was supposed to be mad.

And, he stayed scarce. Instead of being in the house with me during the day, he’d stay outside. Under a bush or something. I told Sophie he was outside eating worms. Remember that song? “Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, think I’ll eat some worms”. Jasper was the epitome of self-imposed suffering. He didn’t want tummy rubs, grudgingly ate his dinner.

Now, that’s a funny story… he was used to being a picky eater, eating slowly, walking away from the bowl, coming back to it whenever he wanted. No more. Sophie is like a vacuum! I’ve never seen man or beast eat so fast! And there’s no bottom to her. I feed her outside (in the patio-dining option we have here). The first few days she’d race back in and head straight for the J-Man’s bowl which he’d temporarily abandoned. She thought she’d died and gone to heaven. Two complete meals in under three minutes! Jasper now takes mealtime seriously. Who says the survival instinct has been bred out of modern dogs? Not me!

Last night they played and played and played in the backyard, chasing each other, trading toys. It was great to see them together. They’ve pretty much got it worked out. Sophie knows when Jasper really and truly wants to be left alone. (I think the gnashing teeth and neck bite finally convinced her he was serious.) Jasper seems to have accepted that she’s here to stay so he may as well lighten up and enjoy the ride.

As for me, I’ve settled in, too. I was very concerned about being able to physically handle a healthy, good-sized pup. I’ve now decided that I can (she’s is so easy). I’ve gotten over the guilt trip I was on about bringing another dog into Jasper’s sphere and hurting his feelings.

Their personalities are so different. Sophie is effervescent. Jasper is curmudgeonly. She has become my shadow. Jasper has become, well, he’s become much more attentive to me. Isn’t that interesting?

Posted by: georgann | 05-29-2008 | 10:05 PM
Posted in: Jasper