Last Saturday night when I heard Craig’s voice – telling me that while Carli had seemed to be doing well in boot camp, he had discovered that she had pooped in more than one spot in his study. I didn’t sleep that well that night worrying about the conversation to come when I returned to Nashville the next evening. My flight landed on time but then sat on the runway for an hour waiting for a gate. [Side note – if you choose to fly Allegiant, be prepared for anything. If departure, arrival time or checked luggage is important, don’t do it. If you schedule is flexible and you only need carryon, then it may be worth it. The flights themselves have been fine – although planes are quite cold.] Craig was sitting near the airport with the dogs in the car waiting. I am not sure who was happiest when I was finally in the car.
In the intervening 24 hours, the carpet had been shampooed, Carli had been lectured in his drill sergeant voice and Craig was feeling less negative about the prospect of Carli learning to behave like a “good girl” DOG – with emphasis on the dog. While I can interact with Carli, I am not interfering in the boot camp for both dogs. Craig is doing a good job of making sure they are both treated “equally”. It is hard for Carli not to have some advantages because of her size. I am doing pretty well at following Craig’s lead. There is a distinct difference in her behaviors in a week. We are both cautiously optimistic that she will enjoy being a pet DOG with good house behaviors.
A compromise – Carli can sit with me on the furniture outside but not inside. It is hard for Buckley to understand not getting on the furniture indoors when Carli does.
I am dressed for a day of yard work. This time I learned to use the weed whacker and I am pretty damn good with the lawnmower now. Picking up the sticks that have blown down off the trees is not my favorite part but it is good exercise.
Carli seems to be less fearful of Buckley and with time they may learn to play. I am sleeping better.
Tamara Unleashed 