Our Old Soul Puppy

Fenway is balanced.  I’ve never met such a calm and relaxed puppy.  Dog lovers will understand what I mean when I say he rarely pants or keeps his mouth open.  There is no out of control chomping, finger-biting, or drooling.  He does a great deal of observing, sitting perfectly still with his mouth closed, brow furrowed and eyes intent.  What kind of old soul dog is this?

I love my two girls dearly.  They make me sublimely happy with what they do and how they love us.  They are mostly obedient and well-mannered (except around other dogs) and are predictable in their needs.  Before Fenway, I’ll admit, I was letting the discipline and consistency slack a bit.  I was becoming complacent in my dog skills.  His arrival has meant keeping a keener eye on the dogs.  He's a dream; it’s the girls I have to watch vigilantly for rough play, nervous energy and predatory behaviors.  All these behaviors require correction and a chance to “get it right” again. 

Fenway will sit and watch the girls and us, deep dark eyes taking it all in under a furrowed brow.  He very rarely needs behavioral corrections, and when given, they are followed and learned almost immediately.  It’s as though he’s thankful to have been rescued, although I know he can’t understand that.  Can he?

Some spiritual beliefs involve people having a few chances at life – “a do over”, so to speak.  Those that have been through a few earlier versions of oneself and have innate knowledge, peace and understanding are called “old souls”.  I can’t be sure, but I believe Fenway is one of these old soul dogs.  He’s brought tranquility and balance to our pack.  All change comes from some chaos, though, and this integration has been no exception.  But we’re almost on the other side of the change.  Nyxie’s gained a playmate for her abundant energy and can finally share her toys with somedog that can appreciate them.  Arwen is still trying to figure him out; he’s not taking her as seriously and dramatically as other weaker dogs do.  Maybe she’ll learn humility. 

I’ve learned from Fenway that having a dog does not mean more work and more stress.  In fact, being near him, with his warm little body pressed against me in a doggie snooze, is calming.  His energy soothes me.  His Zen way of being is just beautiful.  We are a lucky pack, indeed.

What a happy sundog!

When In Doubt, Just Cuddle

He cuddles.  Fenway likes to snuggle in and be warm and cozy.  He's showing some genetic Pibble with all this cuddle-puddle behavior.  I'm not sure if it's a safety tactic to keep away from the less than welcome ladies in the house, or maybe he's just chilly.  I just like to think of him as a cuddle bug.

The girls snuggle a bit with us - Arwen enjoys a nice upside down belly rub and will stay in close proximity to me at all times, but a good long cuddle is simply too much heat for her, I suspect.  Nyxie like to snuggle into Matt's pillow when it's just the 2 of us.  She'll press her nose against me and steal my warmth, facing me on his pillow, her body pressed against me.

 

To say they've accepted Fenway is a bit of a generous stretch.  "Getting familiar with his presence and not actively trying to kill him all the time" might be a more accurate assessment.  Fenway is an "old soul" dog - one that seems to understand things that he shouldn't already know.  Aside from a perpetually worried look on his face, he's the embodiment of zen.  I suppose I'd be perpetually worried as a newcomer around these 2 myself...

We're taking one day at a time here, working it all out.  We're giving time to each, while letting them know how much they're loved.  Change can be tough, but cuddling comes easy.