Puppy Love

Harper has become much more willing to approach the dogs lately. This is a good thing and a bad thing. Sarge is extremely tolerating of her, allowing her to pet him and touch his feet (sometimes), laying quite still as she bounds around him. Wylee on the other hand can be a bit of a loose cannon because he's so anxious all the time. He has come a long way in that he has learned to take Sarge's lead and simply walk away or avoid her if he doesn't feel like being bothered. But he does like his space and if he feels that space is being invaded, he'll let her know to back off with a growl or a warning nip at her fingers. We of course try to always avoid ever getting to that stage and I think we do a pretty good job of it. For her part, Harper listens to us very well when it comes to the dogs and usually doesn't approach either one of them unless we're right there, and even then it's usually Sarge.

When one comes nearby, she waves and says "hi", as if hoping one of these times they'll wave back. She does a really great job at petting them nicely and rarely tests her limits with this by pulling at Sarge's ears or fur. Ironically Wylee is much more willing to give her kisses when she asks (and when we're supervising), and she squeals with delight every time he does. Sarge has never given out kisses willy nilly, even to us, so getting one from him is a bit more of a challenge, though she continues to ask and give hugs all the time.

Asking for a kiss

Asking for a hug.

We really and truly hope she can form a unique and special bond with the dogs, and we can already see some forming. I hope Wylee continues to improve in his responses to her and that he learns patience, though I know that's a lot to ask of a dog. After all, my attention was completely stolen by this little crying thing we brought home, so he's had a lot of adjusting to do.