Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,
It's been a while since I wrote about the game of Doggy Toy Sneakery, but this is a good time to bring it up because the game changed Saturday night. We have a new player.
Doggy Toy Sneakery has always been a game between Franklin and me. Each autumn when it cools off––as it is now––Franklin picks up a doggy toy. He's furtive about it. Very sneaky, as if he's a secret agent.
He takes the toy to the backyard. I go out to pick it up and bring it back in the house.
Sometimes I don't see that he's taken a toy, but I discover it when I go out back. As usual, it comes back in the house so he can take it out again.
Saturday night, Franklin picked up a green ring toy. I watched with joy as he took it outside.
The game had begun!
But Penelope also watched. Within minutes she marched outside and brought the toy back in, where it has remained thus far.
I shall keep you apprised of any updates on the game.
It's been a joy to finally see Penelope gain confidence and develop relationships with other people. It started with the lovely lady who lives across the street. Penelope allowed herself to be touched because the lovely lady kept her back to Penelope but held her hands behind her. Penelope responded by touching her hand. Soon she allowed complete petting.
Then Penelope bloomed while Carol was living with me. Penelope trotted in and out of Carol's bedroom all day long. Carol responded by sharing snacks with Penelope. The snacks and love from Carol helped Penelope to open up the same way my tea roses do.
Isn't this the sweet face of a happy little girl?
And here's the face of a sneaky boy.
How lovely to have a new player in the game. And a big hooray to Carol for encouraging Penelope to blossom.
ReplyDeleteCarol is a joy, too.
DeleteOh how cute! I had an African grey (Gabriel) who would fling a pop bottle ring across the room so that the cat (Chakra) would fetch it and bring it back to me, sitting next to the parrot so I could give it back to Gabriel to toss it again. I was the middle man in their game--LOL!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad Penelope is trusting more and more. That's the delight I feel when Annie does things she never would have when she first came to live with me. It is a wonderful feeling to earn an animals trust who doesn't give it freely. ;)
I shall be anxiously keeping track of the returns on Tuesday.
That's so funny about the game that Gabriel and Chakra played. I'll be keeping an eye on returns, too, but I'm not sure when we'll have a decision.
DeleteDudo and I have routines like the one you have with Franklin. So much fun and also so fascinating to see them play like children. Heartwarming to know how Penelope continues to blossom.
ReplyDeleteThey are children who never grow up. They never ask for the car keys or for money. They exude happiness and love.
DeleteHi Janie - lovely to read about the dogs and how they're coping ... it's wonderful Carol has been such a positive for you all. Take care and all the best - Hilary
ReplyDeleteCarol is the best.
DeleteThat is wonderful about Penelope! So heartwarming.
ReplyDeleteIt's taken a long time and a lot of effort to get Penelope to come around. Favorite Young Man has worked with her, too. He taught her to sit. I couldn't ever get her to sit. Her back legs turned to concrete every time I tried.
DeleteWonderful stories about both lovely pups!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debra.
DeleteMY dog, Laydee and Susie the cat have their little "games" they play with each other. So fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice that a dog and a cat will play together.
DeletePenelope and Franklin! What antics! We’ve a week ahead of us, I’d say! Voted here by mail on October 3; ballots were received on October 7! On pins and needles!
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about pins and needles, Nellie. I'm very nervous.
DeleteHow cool Peneloped is joining in
ReplyDeleteBoth dogs make me so happy.
DeleteManny plays games. He destroys the house and I have to fix it. It's fun for him, but not for me. I can only imagine what the neighbors must be thinking when they hear me screaming, "No! No! NOOOOOOO!!!!!"
ReplyDeleteHmmmmm . . . we need to think of what the neighbors might think. Chris didn't put his dishes in the dishwasher? That would be much easier to fix.
DeleteIt's great to watch the effect of socialization on animals, cats included. Good for Penelope. She's a grand dog.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Joanne. That she is.
DeleteI. So glad Penolope is slowly coming out of her shell. Good for you for being there for her. Franklin is funny and one smart cookie and I love the game.
ReplyDeleteI was shocked when Penelope joined in. Franklin and I have played the game for many years.
DeleteYour dogs are adorabe and I'm glad Penelope is coming into her own! ♥ Regarding the election, according to a poll, if Canadians were allowed to vote, 80% would choose Biden. Here's hoping your citizens feel the same way!
ReplyDelete