the first walk

with the mom dog and maggie and the rottencockers went better than expected. they had been shouting at each other through the kennel fence for two days, so i was prepared for some misbehavin' and of course max, the supreme master of rotten, rushed right up to set the record straight about who was in charge. instead of cowering, mom dog snapped once and he adjusted his thinking.

after that, we cruised the path with speed and intention.  mom dog, now Corabelle, for maiden heart, took off like she was headin' for the barn, shifting my focus from what the other dogs were doing to whether or not i was going to remain upright as she dragged me, skidding, along the wet hillside.  i was tempted to let her off the leash, but some sensible adult part of me spoke up wondering how i'd feel about chasing her around the field for the unforseen future so i bent my knees and leaned against the drag.  i'm pretty proud that i listened and we all returned safely cause it was clear, after a bit, that Cora would have been quite happy to keep going indefinitely.

she was friendly enough when we got back to her shed, but as soon as i looked at the pups, she put herself between us...so i'm not pushing her, just yet, to let me closer.  but i do respect her technique - not threatening but not taking any chances, either.

i can't help comparing Corabelle and Maggie as mom dogs and i know that's unfair for a couple of reasons.  first of all, Maggie's perfect.  she just is. also, i had a trusting relationship with her before we ever left the shelter.  she was still a stray when she gave birth so didn't have Cora's compounded trauma of being captured, then locked up in the chaos of an institutional animal shelter for days before giving birth and losing babies in the loneliness of night.  and Maggie's young. Cora's old enough to be retired from the birthin', nursin' process.  that said, as i compare, at the same time, i resist judgment.  it's a wait and see kind of moment.

wanna help me name the pups?  i'd love that.  i'll post some photos soon to inspire you.  as soon as Cora let's me close.