A Pupsie Update

Our newest pet is still elusive. I don't remember what was happening last time I mentioned him. I've decided his name will be Buddy. There have been a couple of breakthroughs in his "taming." Meaning he doesn't always disappear when we are in his sight. We're still nowhere near to catching him for a vet visit.

This week has been encouraging. Buddy is running around with Scarlett and Jack. Like he realizes this is his pack, and not just using Scarlett as a surrogate mother. Also, Buddy stays on the porch where I can see him as I leave for town. No more hiding around the front corner of the porch.

Friday when I got home and was doling out treats of a slice of bread that had been wiped through the skillet after Farmer H had scrambled eggs... Buddy came running around the corner of the porch, and grabbed at Scarlett's bread slice. Pulled on it, trying to steal it. And she let him have it! So I tossed her another piece.

Saturday, Buddy came running over to the side porch with Scarlett and Jack as I left. He stood still while I tossed HIM a scrap of bread after occupying them with their usual scrap. I've been working on this for a couple weeks, tossing a piece that way. Usually Scarlett would gobble hers up, and run eat Buddy's as well. I even tried chucking it under the generator that sits there, where Scarlett can't get her big head. Hard to tell if Buddy or Jack eventually ate it.

Saturday around noon, I was able to get a couple pictures. Oh, they're not GOOD pictures. If I open the kitchen door, Buddy scampers away. But I got a picture through the window shades and screen. Don't strain your eyes. Maybe squint and the picture will look clearer!

They like this patch of sun at the corner of the porch. Scarlett relaxing, Buddy on alert, because he could hear me pecking at the keyboard.

Jack joined them, and Buddy got in between, just like a child in the middle of his Moms and Pops. Something got their attention, as all three stretched their necks to look toward the front yard. Probably Copper Jack. Poor thing! He's being shunned since he returned from being tethered during deer season. It seems as if Buddy has taken his place. I feel bad for him. Scarlett barks at him constantly, and he doesn't come up on the porch for treats any more.

You can't really tell through the shades, but Jack and Buddy were rubbing noses, snuggling a bit. A happy little family.

Farmer H says all three of them sleep over by the old goat pen, in square bales of hay piled under a camper shell. Jack has preferred that place for years, rather than a house on the porch. He has dug a little hole down in those bales. They are under a roof, and out of the wind from any direction. And have the snuggle heat of all three bodies. There are cedar shavings in the two dog houses at the bedroom end of the porch, but I imagine a hay hole is more cozy than having a large house with empty space above, and a door where a draft could come in.

I am happy they're all getting along, but I wish Buddy would come for petting. He sits ever closer and watches, and tilts his head when I make that kissy noise to get his attention. Still not ready for petting.

Farmer H says, "I don't think that little dog likes me. He runs off every time I try to pet him."

To which I replied, "Wait until you catch him and take him to get his balls cut off. Then he REALLY won't like you!"