Week of Hell

My poor Skye. I let you down. I failed you. Where are you, you crazy boy?

Thanks to everyone who offered support and advice. I am so glad to have friends. The kind who try to help and are compassionate. I know others may be angry. I understand them. I am angry with myself too.

I've given a flyer to as many vets in the area as I can. I'm going down to the Humane Society again. Someone told me just calling isn't enough because she had an experience where the staff person didn't know her dog was there. And ads have been placed on Craigslist and in The Columbian. Shelley Camm (have we ever met?) forwarded the ad to the K9Amber Alert. She also offered other suggestions and I'm working on following through on what I hadn't already tried. I've let all our neighbors know to keep an eye out. I've been out in our "backyard" and over behind our closest neighbors.

We've replaced the bungee cord with a chain. We were already making plans for more kennels and fencing the perimeter.

We had a dream in moving here. Its myth of peace. But now? The illusion is shattered completely. So many square miles. Which path to choose?
The hardest choice for me is giving up. I am so sad. And tired.

And I paint too

This is a painting I made today. Yes I take commissions! Check out my other blog.

Skye's new attitude

My dear boy. Beautiful, beautiful blue Skye. He is finally getting that Celie is fun. I've had to keep a muzzle on him so he wouldn't hurt the other dogs. But last weekend I noticed how well he was playing with Celie. Last night I tried leaving the muzzle off and see what they did. (Gus-Gus the Bulldog, and feeling all of his 6-month-old testosterone, was crated during this experiement.)
At first, Skye just rubbed his face on the carpet as if to say, "You really mean I can keep that thing off?" And then the little Celie went for him. I held my breathe. I could almost hear his brain go "Hey!" He crouched down to say, "Well, come on then." And she did. They wrestled and chased and played for over an hour. Hopefully, I can find the time later to post the pictures I took.

I was wondering if anyone could tell me what they think brought about the change. Gus is, as I say, feeling all his boyhood. And he's definitely alpha. Would this explain Skye's change of attitude, understanding that a new guy is in town? Or is Celie just getting big enough and girlie enough that Skye wants to play? Kayla still plays with her. What I mean is she isn't threatened by her. Last night she just watched and even grumped a bit when they got too close. But this morning all three Cardis were playing together. (Gus was busy mooning over Thomas leaving for work. He loves his daddy so.)

I'm leaving the muzzle on until I can be sure that while my back is turned he's still behaving, especially with the other boy.

--Later that morning: Experiment with Gus shows Skye still doesn't like him. Muzzle and pressure to partition dog run back on. Oh well.