EXTENDED VISIT

We are now a two-dog family, at least for a month or so. Rufus can quit sitting on his perch in anticipation of Jesse’s visits because she has now come to stay for an extended visit. Jim IV and Laurie have sold their house and are in the busy process of moving, so we are delighted to have her come to our house until they get settled in.

Rufus is beside himself; surely he will get used to it and begin to settle down after a while, but so far he is still in the “ecstatic stage.” When she arrived yesterday, they were both glad to see each other (Jesse is getting more demonstrative) and ran around, nipping at each other for what seemed like hours. They had dual walks, which are sometimes not successful for Rufus because he is so enthralled with her that he forgets to do his outside duty. Then I have to unfasten Jesse and leave her while I take him back out. He is usually so anxious to get back to her that he goes quickly.

At some point in the morning they both collapse (usually Jesse first) and rest for an hour or two. Then they are at it again. One of their favorite games now is to play tug-a-war with one of the toys. They also like to get into the bigger bed I bought for them and wrestle and roll around in that confined space. I took a picture with them both resting in that bed and Brenda says they look like the two little magnet dogs we played with as children.

As far as eating goes, I do have to be careful that they both get their share. If Rufus is at all picky, which is often, Jesse will eat his food. So this morning I put it on two different paper plates and gave each their meal. They both finished their own and then went to the other’s to investigate and make sure that all was eaten.

They slept with me last night and did fairly well, although each one got restless at different times during the night. Jesse hasn’t learned to negotiate the bed steps yet so I have to pick her up to put her on the bed. And she can’t jump down, so she is there until I take her down in the morning. And that’s not all bad.

We look forward to the next few weeks having Jesse as a visitor. Having her around just proves my point that I’ve tried to make to the genius all along – having two dogs is in many ways easier than one.