November 26, 2012

Monday Mischief: Rita Loves Lucy

Or does she?

We went away this past weekend with Rita to visit my mom. My brother and his family were there as well, with my brother's mastiff, Leo, and my nephew's Lab-mix, Lucy.

Big boy, Leo, licking the ice-ring that formed in the birdbath
Lucy enjoying (?) a bit of ice from the birdbath

I wasn't too worried about how Rita would do with the dogs since at Fiesta Island she always loves the other dogs and runs up to just about all of them to say hi; she only has a problem with other pups when she's on leash. Also she'd already met Lucy a few months ago at our house and they played nonstop for about three hours.

But I was worried about how she might be with my brother and nephews. Rita has, in the past, reacted strongly to big, blond men - barking at them like crazy. Since my bro and nephews are all tall and blond, I thought she might be afraid of them.
My tall blond goofy nephews. Wouldn't you be afraid of these people?

Nope. She was fine with the people (mostly... there were a couple of barking incidents here and there when she was startled). It was the dogs she had a major problem with!

I think the main problem was that we arrived first on Wednesday night. Rita had already established that she owned the place by the time Lucy and Leo arrived. Rita was okay with Leo for the most part although very afraid of him because of his size, but she was downright nasty to Lucy. She seemed to have completely forgotten ever meeting Lucy before. So, most of Thursday was spent trying to keep the dogs apart. Not fun!
Rita & Leo, getting along, while waiting for turkey tidbits
Leo's a big boy. Here is my size-10 slippered foot next to his bare foot

But then, on Friday morning, Rita woke up and suddenly seemed to remember that she loves Lucy. What the heck? I do not understand this doggy of ours! She was play-bowing like crazy and trying to get Lucy to play. Lucy was understandably suspicious, but ultimately couldn't resist the invite and chased Rita around the yard. There were a few scuffles still, but nothing like on Thursday.
"Oh yeah! I love Lucy!"
The dogs are a blur, racing around the yard - along with the neighbor dog
We even all went hiking together and Rita was fine with them while everyone was on leash.
Hiking at Watson Lake
A picture perfect spot at Watson Lake
Remember the other day I wondered if she needed a sibling? Turns out what she really needs is doggy therapy. A whole lotta doggy therapy. So, not so much  Monday Mischief as Monday Totally Freaking Crazy.

5 comments:

  1. Crazy indeed! I know how stressful that can be when you just want it all to go well, glad to hear that it worked out in the end!

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  2. glad everybody got along. That Watson Lake sure looks pretty.

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  3. That looks like a really nice hike. We love hiking!

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  4. Hey Rita,

    You're funny!! :) Glad you decided to play with Lucy, even if it took you a little while to come to that decision!! :)

    I'm guessing you got lots of Turkey too?

    Big Wags to all

    Your pal Snoopy :)

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  5. Oh Rita is just your typical girl changing her mind! LOL! I'm glad they all got along in the end. Watson Lake looks so beautiful! :)

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