The Welcoming Committee

~Joshua~

The week has been a non eventful and very quiet one for us. Cissy is doing just okay.  Being a girl, and an independent one at that, she has decided that she no longer wants me care for her tender ear.  She started to run away from me when she saw me coming towards her with a wash-cloth -- Who knew a gal of her unknown and respectable age could be so quick and agile?   She would also whine when I would try to put the compresses on it, or even just to move it gently for a look.  But it's easy to tell that there is some swelling. Given that, I don't think we're going to be able to avoid surgery.

~Cissy styling in her cone of shame and coat~

Our week ended with the firing of our dog-walker of 6 years, and the arrival of the new one to meet the pack.  Actually, 'Lydia' is not new to some of the dogs.  She used to work for 'CC' and came to our home for about 3 years, and left almost that long ago to work for another service. I really liked her, and was disappointed when she left.  But Lydia now has her own business and was more than happy to take us on as clients.  When the Goldens meet someone new, it's like they are meeting a friend, so I don't know if Sheba, Josh and Carrie remembered Lydia or not. Charlie is always a little shy when meeting someone new, however Lydia and I both thought he seemed to remember her because he was so happy when she came in, and tried several times to get into her lap.

~The welcoming committee~

Todd was one of the dogs she'd never met.  And like many Scottie's he is aloof by nature and he is also a bit territorial.  Despite the warm welcome from the Goldens, all Todd could do at first was bark and bark at Lydia.  And when she sat down on the steps he nipped at her, nearly tearing her shirt in the process.  By the end of the visit, when Todd was done showing off, he was still a bit reserved, but was taking treats from her hand. I have a feeling that two are going to be great friends, and Lydia is determined that they will be.