Sunday, October 24, 2021

Managing

One of the things that has been bothering me for months about our dogs, is that they couldn't all be together at once. When you have different personalities, sometimes, it's just not possible. So, to keep  everyone safe, we "manage" those dogs, keeping one dog separated from the another. 

The dog that we are "managing" the most, is none other, than you guessed it, Todd. 

Knowing that our foster boy Jack, doesn't like the boys as much, we kept he and Todd away from each other. If one was outside, the other was free in the house. If Todd was inside, Jack was outside. In the evenings, Todd stayed locked in his crate, and Jack was allowed with the other dogs, and at bedtime, Todd was let out, and Jack was crated overnight.

~The Very Handsome Jack~

It was working. But I was feeling guilty about it because I was really feeling like this wasn't fair to either of them.

It became even more complicated when Ree entered the picture. At 4 years old, I thought she was way too energetic and playful for Todd and Jack too. So, we kept Ree away from both of them. Now we were "managing" three dogs that we thought couldn't be together. 

~Ree~

When Carl went out of town, I was left to care for all the dogs. I decided I'd had enough of all that "managing." So, I decided I was going to try putting the three dogs together outside and see what would happen.  

And you know what happened? I'll tell you what happened, nothing happened. There was no growling. There was no snapping.. There was no fight. The three all went about their own business, and were and are all fine together. Okay, Ree didn't and doesn't exactly mind her own business, she loves the two boys, but the bottom line is, the three all get along. 

~Mealtime!!~

Finally, I love that all the dogs can be together! I'm not having to "manage" where at any given moment they might be. I don't have to worry about where Ree is (probably on the bed), where Jack is, (usually in the office on his bed,) and where Todd is, (almost always in his now-open door-crate snoozing, or outside watching the world go by). I know the three of them are much happier. Actually, we are all happier and relaxed. And I'll add that none of the dogs are crated at night. 

~Jack and Gerry~

But I am however wondering, just what the heck was I worried about?

22 comments:

  1. How wonderful that everyone is getting along! Makes it much easier for you!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Great job!!! Sometimes you just have to take a chance, and then hope for the best. We think you got it right!!!

    Woos - Lightning, Misty, and Timber

    ReplyDelete
  3. That's so great that they are getting along. So much better!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I understand the worries you had. When I did a lot of rescue it was very difficult because an error in my judgement could mean very bad outcomes. But it gets exhausting. I am so glad it all worked out! And it benefits all of them and especially it makes the fosters more flexible, which is great. Looks like there were no worries about where Gerry would be! Our cats boss our dogs like there's no tomorrow.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh, wow, that must be such a relief for you and for the dogs!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Just like the boxes of delicious apples, they all get on so well together, no crates, no separation worries, you will be SO relieved it is all sorted out without a huge fuss. Sleep well tonight

    ReplyDelete
  7. It's so rewarding when the dogs all get on together and a relief from all your worries. Long may they continue to be good friends!
    Sometimes I wonder if poor Todd feels the odd one out because, much as you love him, he isn't a Labrador or a Retriever! Having had two Labs and a spaniel "mix", all at the same time, the mix had issues with both Labs from time to time -particularly the older male Lab., but the female Lab was boss, and let us all know it!

    ReplyDelete
  8. We are so glad to hear all the dogs are getting along. Tuiren was afraid of Fenris when she first came to live with us. But he is such a sweet boy and gave her space and now she wants to snuggle with him.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hello,
    Great news, no more worrying about separating the dogs. I am glad they are all behaving and get along. It is nice that they do not have to be crated. Cute photos, hugs to all the furbabies. Have a great day and a happy new week!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love this post!
    you trusted your instincts and were proved right.
    goodbye to a major stress that you didn't need.
    and to know they're happier too! a win win win. XO

    ReplyDelete
  11. Kim, that is GREAT news and very better for you and Carl! "Managing" can be a little stressful for dogs and people...been there, done that...jp

    ReplyDelete
  12. We're glad to hear you are free from managing who can be around each other. Many years ago we had an issue with two of our dogs and had to do something similar. It was very stressful so I know how you feel.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Makes everyday life go so much smoother when they all get along.
    No micromanaging, just mingle and enjoy each other's company.
    Happy to see your load is lighter dear friend.
    Hugs,
    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  14. I'm so glad you don't have to worry about that any more, you have so much to manage as it is.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Don't underestimate good dogs or birds.

    ReplyDelete
  16. We're glad all the doggies are getting along as a pack now!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Gosh - I am SO happy for you! **at one point we had nine dogs (all rescues). Only two (females) had a set to (over who was at the gate first:) - it was pretty awful - but all ended well. Never another mix-up. We are now down to only ONE dog and one cat - the house feels so empty. I envy you and your loves! Stay well . . .Karen

    ReplyDelete
  18. So glad you tried the dogs together and it worked out. Managing that many must have been a job. Your pictures are just beautiful...all the apples and pumpkins...and the sweet dogs.

    ReplyDelete
  19. That sounds like good news . . .
    and less work for you as well!
    Hope it continues!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Happy to see you are back. As a person who lost a dog to a friendly play incident, I can see what you were worried about but am glad their was nothing to worry about!

    ReplyDelete
  21. The dogs are looking so beautiful. How wonderful to have them “all together!”

    ReplyDelete
  22. We do all that managing... I'm happy to hear that you are past it! For us, it's been going on for 2.5 years so it's 2nd nature now. -- If I could stop it like you did, I would but it's not so bad anymore. Congrats to you!

    ReplyDelete

Speak--I really enjoy your comments! Thanks for stopping by today!!