Milestones

I just realized another milestone we, the pups and I, have passed.

Jazi

Lola

In the two and a half years since we've been a family, The Kids follow me everywhere. Well, except when I have the vacuum, the carpet cleaner, other noisy and terribly fearsome items, in my hands. The girls, Jazmyn and Lolita, are pretty much excluded here. They seem to be better acclimated to the comin's and goin's and other doin's of humans. Lola was in a home before she came to me, and Jaz is just very self-confident.

Sammy and Joey

Joey was next in being adjusted to living here. He follows me maybe 50% of the time. But Sammy and Max .... they follow me e.v.e.r.y.w.h.e.r.e!!!!

Maxey

Those two stick to me to the degree that I often bump into them. Sammy especially. Both seem to be trying to be as close to my feet as possible, sometimes anticipating where I'm going, sometimes only being roadblocks. In the two and a half years, I've only rarely gone to the bathroom without three of them following me, sitting patiently outside the bathroom, and then following me back to the other part of the house. It's like having three balloons attached to my ankles, swirling and bouncing against my legs!

I can sometimes do things without them being right there, but only if I'm in their sight. As long as they can see me, it seems to be alright. They can sit in the living room while I'm in the kitchen, because they can see me.There is a line of sight from the kitchen to the bedroom, so I can be in one of those rooms and move to the other and it's OK. But around the corner, out of vision .... click-click-click .... here they come, nails against the tile, checking to be sure "da momma" hasn't left.

I know it comes from in their history. They were all abandoned, perhaps misused, and living a good life with me is somewhat unbelievable to them. When I'm out of sight, there is the old anxiety of being left once again. By keeping me in their view, they are sure I haven't deserted them. Leaving to go to town is a big deal. They all line up on the deck and have those sad puppy-eyes as I drive away. It all makes sense.

This morning, it has occurred to me that I've been able to leave a room, or go to the deck, or even go to the bathroom occasionally without them leaving wet nose-stamps on my calves! At least half the time, I can go to another room without a full entourage. If I'm not gone too long, and/or they can hear me in the other room, they are staying put!

HOUSTON, WE HAVE ACHIEVED OBJECT(momma)-PERMANENCE .... almost.

It has been more prevalent in the last couple months, but as is usual, it has taken me a while to realize their achievements. It is nice to know that they are becoming more independent, more secure in their belonging with me, and realizing I'm here or I will return. They are also becoming more calm about my returns from short absences, too. It used to be that they went bananas every time I returned. Even a trip to the mailbox or dumpster which takes about 15 minutes, brought a riotous welcome home with all five of them on the deck barking, howling, jumping up and down, bouncing against the gate, etc. Now I can be gone a few hours and have just a few barks on my return, although they all cluster at the gate, waiting to be petted and acknowledged, of course. I think that's normal for any dog.

My babies have taken another big step. How amazing is it that they are finally, FINALLY feeling as if they have roots enough here to begin to detach a little from The Human? I'm really psyched to realize another accomplishment in their emotional adjustment.

As always .... but even more so today ....

.... Life is beautiful!!!!