Thursday, January 23, 2014

Another month of this. But not complaining.

Well I went to the doctor yesterday for a progress evaluation on my leg. Alas, he saw his shadow so I've got another month to sit around idly.

But at least I've got these two for company.
And they've bonded pretty well over the last month in particular. They're seldom apart now, and where one goes, the other follows. In the morning, they both go outside together, then when I let them back in, it's a stampede as both race into the kitchen to get the food that I've put in their dishes. There's no fighting in there--each knows his or her dish.

After breakfast, there's usually some tussling in the living room as both of them playfully push each other around and spar over a toy or two. Sometimes there's chasing through the house, complete with sliding on loose floor rugs and knocking things over that I'd rather not see knocked over, but hey--they're having fun. Eventually they tire and they lay down next to each other on the floor rug, one on the dog bed and the other next to it. Possession of the bed goes to whoever gets to it first and if the possessor leaves it, it's fair game for the other one.

When the stove's lit, Murphy camps in front of it. Belle for some reason doesn't like the stove. She does like me though, and she's constantly running up to lick my face, particularly when I'm lying on the couch trying to watch TV or nap. When Belle first got here, she was so jealous of any attention that I gave Murphy that she'd run in and shoulder him aside (and she can shoulder check like a Russian hockey player) but that's subsided finally. She knows that if I'm petting or playing with him, I'll make room and time for her too. She just has to sit nicely and wait.
Murphy's still the big barker and protector though. He's the no-nonsense watchdog that I trust to keep this place safe. As for Belle...well she just watches. She's starting to come around and focus on things that tee Murphy off in the yard or down on the road, but she's not there yet. She does cry loudly when I leave the house though. She can't stand to see me go. But Murphy was bad for that once too, He got over it and I'm sure that she will.

Come bed time, when I start to turn out the lights, both dogs line up at the back door for one last run outside. Then they come in together and both go right into the bedroom and take to their respective beds.
She'll stay there all night, sleeping near me, but Murphy will get up from time to time and patrol the house throughout the night. Always vigilant, that one.

I couldn't ask for a better pair, and they're definitely making this enforced downtime a lot more enjoyable.

16 comments:

  1. I'm glad they're providing such good company for you, and getting along with each other. :)

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  2. The things we do for our canines. Shoveled habitrails through the snow all over the yard yesterday so mine can do her business. Not enough though. She needs the fence line cleared enough for her to squat. That'll be a bit of work. Might have to fire up the snow thrower for that. Yeesh! The snow ain't going anywhere anytime soon, so it cannot be avoided.

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  3. Sorry to hear you're going to be grounded a while longer. Hang in there, the weather's crappy, you wouldn't get to fly anyhow.

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  4. What a great pair of companions. The summer should be fun when they can go swimming.

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  5. Anonymous11:14 AM

    I hope your leg heals soon. You have two great dogs

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  6. She is really looking good! You both were lucky to have found each other.

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  7. You do have a way with words my friend.

    "saw his shadow so I've got another month to sit around idly"

    and (my favorite)

    she can shoulder check like a Russian hockey player.

    Two great dogs. One great human.

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  8. So good to hear they've become BFF.

    And here's hoping your Doctor gives you a reprieve, and changes his prognosis!

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  9. Sounds like a lovely time of year at the lair. Seems like she is really happy there. Hang in there and hope your leg heals quicker than the doctor's forecast.

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  10. Belle is looking much better under your care ML. Sorry about the Doc though.

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  11. That is great news, now if she could just teach Murphy NOT to counter surf...

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    1. Actually he's pretty much stopped doing it since she's been here. It'a amazing, but food left on the counters now doesn't get taken when I'm gone, and it's gotta be her presence that keeps him from his old ways.

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  12. As someone with five German Shepherds (used to have 2- you can figger' what happened) I commend your choice in breed. They can be a challenge if not led correctly (they'll plan YOUR day if there's a void) I love the way they are almost clairvoyant after they get to know you. As for the licking, I think it's at a cellular level for females; they need that. Glad you have them and provide a great home.

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    1. Mike, you've got that right. Belle is content just to be around me, but Murphy never stops trying to climb to the top of the Alpha ladder, either with her or with me. I've gotta stay on my game constantly with him.

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  13. Anonymous11:13 AM

    Glad for you, and them.

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  14. I miss my dogs a lot. They were family and despite my many faults they were always glad to see me. What could be better than returning home to a wagging tail?
    If you’re healing then I couldn’t imagine spending it in better company. Here’s hoping that your leg is a lot better real soon.

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