"sibling rivaly"
I have raised eight children, and have dealt with a lot of squabbles but the events of the past two days have left me with bad case of bewilderment.
A year ago we brought home a dog from the shelter. Her name is Jersee, she is a mix of blue heeler and beagle. She is a little odd looking but very sweet. She came into our home a few years after the passing of our beloved Jesse, another rescue dog. When we brought her home, she started chasing our two cats in residence, spooky, who stays outside by choice and Buddy, a cat rescued by Ross 5 years ago, who is very timid and doesn't adapt to change well.
The "dance" began with Jersee chasing both cats and Buddy refusing to come near me or the house. As the year progressed, Buddy slowly warmed back up to me an occasionally would come into the house after the dog had gone to sleep and jump up on my bed, where he used to sleep.
Fast forward to this summer when Ross came home for 2 months with his family. Nora's allergies to Cat hair increased and I kept Buddy outside constantly to respect her breathing condition. Again, Buddy took a month to let me even pet him again. Then we left the country for two weeks. We had the dog boarded and had a neighbor come feed the cats while we were gone.
When we returned, the dog was so happy to be back with us, she greeted us with predictable exuberance. Spooky was his normal approachable self and Buddy, "punished" me for being gone by coming just close enough so I could see him but just out of reach. Yesterday, my first day home, i left the door open and Buddy rushed in and jumped on my lap. I enjoyed his company and being able to pet him again. Then the fun began, once Buddy "made up" he took on a stance of occupancy. When the dog came within petting distance, he hissed and took a swipe at her nose. Jersee jumped back thinking it was a joke and advanced again...Buddy leaped off my lap at her and literally chased her throughout the house. that has continued for the past twelve hours. Buddy, who never liked to stay indoors when daylight hits, is laying at my feet, and follows me to every room. The dog is laying six feet away, not leaving my sight by not coming close enough to get a paw in the face again. And I am just giggling.
This is so like a couple of kids fighting for attention. I am grateful for the comic relief that breaks the stress from a few rough days....
A year ago we brought home a dog from the shelter. Her name is Jersee, she is a mix of blue heeler and beagle. She is a little odd looking but very sweet. She came into our home a few years after the passing of our beloved Jesse, another rescue dog. When we brought her home, she started chasing our two cats in residence, spooky, who stays outside by choice and Buddy, a cat rescued by Ross 5 years ago, who is very timid and doesn't adapt to change well.
The "dance" began with Jersee chasing both cats and Buddy refusing to come near me or the house. As the year progressed, Buddy slowly warmed back up to me an occasionally would come into the house after the dog had gone to sleep and jump up on my bed, where he used to sleep.
Fast forward to this summer when Ross came home for 2 months with his family. Nora's allergies to Cat hair increased and I kept Buddy outside constantly to respect her breathing condition. Again, Buddy took a month to let me even pet him again. Then we left the country for two weeks. We had the dog boarded and had a neighbor come feed the cats while we were gone.
When we returned, the dog was so happy to be back with us, she greeted us with predictable exuberance. Spooky was his normal approachable self and Buddy, "punished" me for being gone by coming just close enough so I could see him but just out of reach. Yesterday, my first day home, i left the door open and Buddy rushed in and jumped on my lap. I enjoyed his company and being able to pet him again. Then the fun began, once Buddy "made up" he took on a stance of occupancy. When the dog came within petting distance, he hissed and took a swipe at her nose. Jersee jumped back thinking it was a joke and advanced again...Buddy leaped off my lap at her and literally chased her throughout the house. that has continued for the past twelve hours. Buddy, who never liked to stay indoors when daylight hits, is laying at my feet, and follows me to every room. The dog is laying six feet away, not leaving my sight by not coming close enough to get a paw in the face again. And I am just giggling.
This is so like a couple of kids fighting for attention. I am grateful for the comic relief that breaks the stress from a few rough days....