Playmates

Cindy got this photo of blind Allie playing with blind Buddy, the new arrival, the other day.  Buddy is a very sweet dog but we learned he's an alpha character -- yet only with male dogs.  (Yes, he's been neutered.)  Thus he likes to challenge our males, although he is not at all aggressive.  In other words, he doesn't really want to get into a fight, but only to get the others to acknowledge he's the alpha with some strutting, dominant behavior.  (As we always tell people, disabilities do not change personalities!)

He's lucky we have a nice, easy-going group of dogs, but there's no sense in tempting fate or forcing the others to put up with this.

So we re-arranged things and now have him in a yard with two of our females, blind Allie and wobbly Allie, and he has developed quite a friendship with blind Allie.  This is an interesting development because Allie hasn't been that playful with other dogs in a while -- she's been more of a loner type who is more content to chew on her kongs all day long.  But something about Buddy has brought out a different side in her, and now they roughhouse and romp when they're together:

Comments

[Lynn]

Watching dogs play is one of my all time favorite things in this world. Great photos!!

I hope Jake is adjusting well also. Is he in the same yard as Buddy?

PLEASE tell us how Miss Samantha is doing. I have a special place in my heart for old black labs so I just know I'm going to fall in love with her once I get to know her which I've been waiting to do for weeks now!!! :-)

[Suzanne]

So glad to hear that they have become friends!

[Brenda]

Ah.....she was just waiting for the right one...What a wonderful story! I love your blog.

[Debbie]

Only people as devoted as you at the RDR would completely re-arrange things in order to accomodate this kind of situation...you totally rock!

[Carla Polastro-Nigro]

Isn't it great that Allie found her ideal playmate at last?:-)

Way to go, Allie & Buddy! Have fun!

[Jessica, NL]

Wonderful and good for them both! Is Jake very different in character? Looking alike doesn't say a lot about that, after all ;-). You mention Allie not playing "in a while", has she had a friend before at the ranch? I can't remember....

And have fun making a snowman for Christmas, over here it's rain only!!

[Judy]

I too have just discovered your wonderful site through "Cute Overload." Being a profound animal lover, I'm so proud to see what you two have done. Laughs and smiles aplenty here!

[Shirley * James * Portland, OR]

Sweet! Love to hear how they bring out the best in each other?

[bregda]

Isn't it wonderful when a "loner" dog makes a friend - the sheer joy in their playing always warms my heart. You really do do awesome work - making sure everyone is as happy as can be.

On another note - I almost wish I could roll in that wonderful cool snow, just for a while: we are experiencing nights of 23 here in central South Africa, the days are close to 40. Celsius! Hope you guys are staying warm and healthy, though.

[Colleen & Sweet Kitty Erin]

That's wonderful blind Allie has found a friend that she is comfortable with. They look to be having a good time together!

[Donna]

Another a-typical relationship that seems to work! So glad they've each found a new friend.

[Linda]

Sounds like they each found their soulmate. :o)

[Margaret]

Great to see! Wonderful, thoughtful chemistry, and care at RDR.
Last night I handed out new, alas, to be short-lived, fleece toys @ our house. It was a wonderful reminder of how over-the-top playful our older, "alpha female" is with the magical trigger (squeakers). To each their own, :)

[Sian]

Ahh, how lovely. :D

(I've only recently discovered your website, by the way, and what you're both doing is absolutely fabulous.)