For quite some time now Suzy has been escaping whenever she can slip out the carport door. This isn't just when we go in and out, either. If the door isn't shut firmly she will nose open the inside door then push on the storm door to make her way out. This isn't the problem as much as the fact she then takes off into the woods and will not come back when called. All our other dogs mind us. Suzy doesn't.
We finally decided she must really want to be an outside dog, so we stopped letting her back in when she returned. Mama Dog, Blue and Jed have taken it in stride. In fact, I think Jed loves having someone who will run and play with him all the time. The transition has gone fairly well with the exception of nighttime. That's when Suzy thinks she wants to be an inside dog again. No way! Living in the country with no leash law gives our outside pups freedom to run the woods.... and pick up all sorts of creepy crawlies. We do use collars and other flea/tick products on them, but that doesn't equal the controlled environment of the inside girls. The first three nights Suzy managed, one way or another, to get into the back yard then sat on the back steps and barked. And barked. And barked. The past two nights we shut her in her crate which we moved to the carport. She seemed content with that. Meanwhille, things are getting back to normal inside for Alice and Mabel.
Here are some photos I took over the weekend.
12 comments:
Oh, I love that you get to have outside dogs! If our Suzy had agreed to be an outside doggy, 14 years ago, she wouldn't have gone to live with one of my best friends. It sounds like yours have a "dog's life!"
Oh dear, it sounds like a certain little doggie wants the best of both worlds. Who is the dog second from bottom? What a beautiful coloured coat they have.
Great dogs. Great photos.
And you’re a dog psychologist too (a dogkologist as we call them). Wow I’m impressed.
Wonderful post. Thanks.
All the best, Boonie
Jenny - I think they have a pretty good life! Someone criticized me once in a forum for keeping some of my dogs outside. It's not like they don't have shelter, food, water, etc. They're well taken care of.
Tracy - The one with the pretty red coat is Mama Dog. She looks so much better now than she did when she wandered up pregnant in May 09.
Boonie - Good thing I'm a dogkologist. All six of our current dogs are "rescues" and several (especially Mabel) have the problems that often accompany abandonment.
What a handsome/pretty pack of furkids!!!
Love the photos, Sis! You've become a quite talented photographer!! I'm impressed!!
I've had to get stern with all 3 of my furkids lately. They've all been rooting in the yard and putting holes in the grass. Digging and rooting. I always have to watch them this time you year.
Spanky kept denuding all of my new shrubs to make his personal chew toys, so yesterday I got some of those looooooooooooooooooooong bones and tossed them in the yard for the boys. Spanky and Mac fought over the one that was longer than Mac!!! :)
A good lookin' group!
quid
I think that’s lovely that you give a good home to rescues.
Take care.
All the best, Boonie
All dogs lived outside before we came along and domesticated the poor things, very cute pics.
Pamel - I'm smiling while picturing your pack destroying the back yard. (I know, it's not really funny!)
Quid - :)
Boonie - it isn't always my choice. They often choose us.
Ryan - You're right about that, but don't they make great companions! Thanks for visiting!
Kelly,
I had not forgotten about Suzy and
your other furkids. A great post and
pictures. I also appreciated your picture of Jed and his shadow of your previous post.
Raven
Your dogs have a good life ... but it seems that Suzy wants her cake and eat it too! : )
Raven - I'm glad you like my pups. I think they're pretty special. :)
Jenners - That's it exactly. She wants the best of both worlds....and she "ain't gonna get it!"
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