This weekend my house has been full of dogs……two extra ones belonging to my son and DIL have been staying here while they drove to Sydney for business. The dog dynamics have been most interesting to watch as the visitors cope with missing their devoted owners, and interacting with me and mine. Now these dogs frequently visit, sometimes with an extra one as well, and mostly they get along together fairly well, but they all have very different personalities. Trying to get them all to stay in one place for the above photo was a bit like herding cats!
Maggie, the collie……fondly known as “Maggie Gump” – not the brightest of dogs, getting on in years, but with a very gentle nature, a bit submissive, affectionate, loves a cuddle and is any person’s friend. A little attention seeking, and a bit jealous of other dogs who might be getting attention (or food!) instead of her.
Bella, the poodle/ terrier thing cross…..bright, intelligent, active, mostly obedient but a bolter – show her an open gate and she is off, over the horizon and oblivious to any instruction to return. Affectionate, a great companion, a bit bossy and able to stand up for herself, but aware when she meets her match. Boss dog of my two.
Rusty, a kelpie cross of some sort………now elderly, slowing down, and deaf. A gentleman really. Missing his owners badly, whimpers and barks at nothing particularly if he can’t see me. Sleeps a lot of the time, often in Bella’s bed which is far too small for him, or wanders slowly around the house and garden….looking for something….
Clover, the spotty dog. No idea what her heritage might be as she has a long body and short legs but acts like a hunting dog at times as she can stalk and point. Young, active, demanding, dependent, pushy, and in your face all the time. Aspires to dominate the others and constantly tries to show she could be top dog by backing them into corners or raising her hackles.
This morning I found Maggie hiding from her in the sewing room.
I’m definitely a dog person, love them to bits and certainly could not live here on my own without some canine company. Four dogs permanently ? I don’t think so…..these guys go home tonight, it’s been pretty full on since they arrived on Wednesday and we all need a little break. Don’t get me wrong please, I’m more than happy to dog-sit the family dogs, after all, mine are also visitors to other homes when I go away and one needs to reciprocate. I actually enjoy the challenge, it has been great to have some other dogs to photograph and they are coming back for another few days later next week. I must start planning my own holiday……………….
Some more shots from weekend.
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Hard to believe it is the same dog!
