Doggie Dynamics

 

The new dynamic at the Lovestead is going smoothly along with the heartache. 

Anyone who lives on a farm or who has loved an animal with all their heart will know that there comes the stage where movements and places of the day constantly trigger reminders and specific images of those we miss. 

We're experiencing that right now, and dealing with the dull pain that accompanies all the treasured reminders of Liam.

For me, it was the sweet early-morning greetings every single morning and the excited "talking" whenever we were ready to go someplace, like to the run or for a walk down the lane. 

I won't speak for Bill but would guess that it was all those trips up and down the lane for morning and night duty, along with Liam's emptying of the wood pile, piece by piece out into the pasture where he could chew on individual pieces of wood. 

For Bridie, the severity of loss was very evident the other morning when we were headed for the run.

  Bridie took off that direction at a dead run, suddenly stopped in her tracks, turned around and stood looking intently for Liam.  Then, she went back to the garage in hopes she'd find him there. 

The scene broke my heart. 

Though one fourth his size, Foster was Liam's big brother, and when it became apparent that Foster was blind, Liam held back on their usual racing and doggie wrestling matches. 

The positive part of all this is watching the new dynamic unfold between Bridie and Foster. 

Bridie tends to think she's a queen, and she has never wanted to share that distinction with Foster who has been enjoying extra-special attention from Bill and me because of his blindness. 

Also, in most cases, Foster intimidates other dogs, regardless of their size, by letting out his scary snarl, but for some reason with Bridie he submits when she gives him dirty looks.

Fortunately, I think that both dogs have realized that they have suddenly been thrust into a team of their own. 

They help me do the horse chores and closely supervise my leaf pickup project. 

They've gone for rides together in the car, and they spend their time outside together, always keeping an eye on me. 

Heck, there could even come a time when Bridie actually demonstrates that she "likes" Foster. 

For now, I'm happy that they are adjusting so well in spite of their loss. 

Yesterday we went for a drive around the neighborhood.  When we stopped off at my sisters' to see how their horses were doing, two good friends came to greet us:  the grandpuppies. 

Foster and Bridie stayed in the car while Kenny and Joe sniffed its complete perimeter.  

They're all good friends, but I didn't have the leashes with me so they had to enjoy each other through the car windows. 

The horses were doing fine, as are Barbara, Laurie, Kevin, Dusty (the horse star) and Meggie (the red heeler). 

They spent the night in Kansas at the Slide On In, a horse and peeps facility where the horse has a stall and the peeps have beds and other items usually found in a regular motel. 

Today they'll arrive in Tulsa, get settled and start preparing for the show with the first class on Thursday. 

Around here, I'll use the rest of the day before the rain comes to do some more yard work while being surveilled by a couple of friends. 

Lots to do to prepare for winter, so it will be another busy but pleasant day. 

Happy Monday.