Charlie enjoyed a life of being the center of attention in our house for 8 years until Hannah showed up. at first he was quite annoyed with the puppy who had sharp teeth and tons of energy.
I tried to tell him that in a few months she wouldn't be so annoying.
He was not convinced. The new Home Invader was not allowed in his space on the love seat.
I thought Hannah would help with his anxiety by having a pal to be with.
Well....
If Charlie can't see me, he howls. This started after Rich died. If I leave a room and he is asleep he will wake up and start howling. It basically sounds like he is being murdered. I'm used to it now so I realize he is not being murder-fied.
If Charlie is by my side, he is calm. Though while hiking, he is much more independent. Go figure!
Hannah? She doesn't mind being by herself and has a completely different mindset.
Charlie is half Dachshund and Half Pekinese. He is a high anxiety dog though one wouldn't see it in his normal day to day life. He seems very stoic and calm.
If I leave the house, he howls. When driving in the car before Hannah, he'd cry the whole car trip [very annoying].
Now with Hannah in the car with him, he rarely whines or cries in the car [thank you Hannah!].
Hannah is super chill in her attitude. She still is a puppy with puppy energy and the high energy of being half Rat Terrier. But we think she is part Dachshund and maybe part Labrador. [who knows?]
She doesn't get excited unless Charlie barks at something he finds alarming. Then she participates. When he howls and cries, she just looks at him and tries to comfort him.
Below is a photo of them at my son's house when we visited. Obviously they don't mind sharing a space anymore. And how she has grown!
The cool part of having a dog [or other pets] is the bonding.
I personally like it. I thrive on it because their love is unconditional.
The dogs never repeat my secrets, never judge me, and always are happy to see me. The same with my mules.
I think the pony would blackmail me though, he has no attachment to anyone.
I can understand the love and attachment to an animal. They are never “just a dog” in our world. They love unconditionally and are a great source of comfort. ❤️ RHill, TX
ReplyDeleteAt some point pets are never just a dog or cat or whatever, they become an part of your lives. Kids grow up. Pets stay. I like having my critters around to keep me company.
DeleteDespite a lifetime connected to the wild, I have not had the desire for domestic pets. Apart from any other consideration I have travelled a great deal during my life, both for business and pleasure, so it would hardly have been practical.
ReplyDeleteTrue, travelling like you do isn't conducive to having pets. I've grown up with animals and live on a small farm so I remain connected to the land and the animals on it. I like their company.
DeleteLD...I really enjoy hearing about your dogs. They do look like good friends in the last photo. I didn't realize the size difference until I saw them together.
ReplyDeleteI agree, her size is larger than I thought she'd be, however she is just perfect as is.
DeleteHannah is funny and engaging. I'm lucky to have her with Charlie.