The Pecking Order and The Chub Club

At our house there is an interesting pack dynamic. We are so lucky in that all the dogs get along with one another and fights are very rare. If they do occur it almost always involves Sheba who is the youngest at almost 5 years old and who is the one I consider our "problem child." Sheba is very affectionate, she listens really well and is easy going, but around the other dogs she can be the most moody and short-tempered of any of them. At times she will challenge those above her in the pecking order and they very quickly put her in back in her place. Despite this, I really think that the reason all the dogs get along has to do with their ages and that they all are Goldens, with the exception of Charlie of course.

Within the pack there is what I call the "core group." This group consists of Wendy who is the Matriarch, Rudi, the top dog, CarrieAnne and Josh, They have been together for more than 7 years and Charlie and Sheba joined about 4 years ago. They are a pretty tight-knit group. I think it's because they really grew up together. But they seem to have a respect for one another and they are almost always together in the same room. It's interesting at least to me, that none of the new comers have been given a "membership" into this club, and I don't really know why. However I think that as long as all the dogs know they have a place with us, there is a harmony and balance within the pack.

This brings me to "our boy" Sam, (pictured on the right with Rudi). He arrived here almost exactly a year ago. While he gets along with all the dogs and they get along with him, Sam really has wanted so much to play with Sheba and the others. They pretty much ignore him and he has stayed on the outside not really having another dog to play with. (Kinda sad I know)

That all changed with the arrival of he Chub Brothers, Bubba and Toby. Sam instantly connected with them and was accepted into the club of this dynamic duo. The three of them have formed what I have been calling "The Chub Club." Sam will even wash Bubba's face.
The 3 of them are almost always together and I have to admit Sam seems a bit more content. I think Sam even looks like he belongs with them, don't you? (The below picture is Sam on the left, Bubba in the middle, Toby on the right). But wait, I got this e-mail from the rescue the other day...

Hey Kim,

How is the swimming going for Bubba and how is Toby?Its been awhile that they have been with you and am wondering if they might be ready to have their sweet faces on the web and put on the available dog list? Or not yet? Let us know.
Back to reality and remembering that "The Chub Brothers" are here to find a new home. However I have to be honest, because I'm wondering when and how do I tell the rescue that these boys aren't going anywhere, and it's all Sam's fault?!