Confessions of a First Time Foster

Jackson’s showing me a lot of Happy Butt lately, and it’s getting on my nerves.

I don’t mean that basic signal of puppy happiness. Can’t get enough of that.

I mean the Happy Butt that I see trotting quickly down the hallway when Jackson’s once again snatched something he shouldn’t have. The Happy Butt with the tail held extra high and the extra spring in the step. The Happy Butt that means I have to stop what I’m doing, clamber over Brother and Sister and engage in hot pursuit before the prize is swallowed or ruined.

Yes, just like human kids, puppies go through that “Mine!” phase, and Jackson’s case is in full swing. The origin of some of the prizes is easy. My right shoe came from the floor. The banana peel came from the trash. But how the heck did he get the CD with my PDA drivers, that pair of panties, or my Ove Glove? The bedroom and kitchen doors are closed, and the software is in boxes on a high shelf.

The only explanation: There’s a puppy Stargate that I don’t know about.

Brother might be warming up to Jackson’s presence in this house. At least he now acknowledges the existence of this puppy on this planet.

I don’t have photos of this (though I’m still hoping), but…

Jackson and Sister have taken to playing biteyface games. To be more precise, Jackson will grab her tail or her jowl and attempt to murderdeathkill it. This irks Brother to no end. He will take only so much, and then growf the puppy.

The act of growfing (growfance? growfitry?) has sophisticated choreography…Brother makes a sharp forward motion toward Jackson, accompanied by the GROWF sound. Jackson’s response is to immediately fall onto his side. Brother lays a paw on the puppy, holds for ten seconds or so, then turns and walks away.

A few minutes later, the dance continues. Brother will find Jackson, wherever he may be, and with no warning just sit on him. Extra points if he can sit directly on the puppy’s head. I know this is some sort of pack communication, so I try not to laugh. Too much.

But the real sign that Brother might be accepting Jackson?

I had to follow the puppy into the living room today, admonishing him for stealing something out of the trash. Brother eased himself off the sofa and casually positioned himself between me and Jackson.

Now, I need to make clear that this wasn’t a dominance move on Brother’s part. I don’t tolerate any dominance moves toward me unless they’re done in a spirit of play. But through the years, Brother and Sister have developed a system of distraction. If I have to discipline one, the other will step in front of me and do something to defuse the moment, like chasing his or her tail. It’s a little plea for clemency.

I still pried the contraband from the puppy’s mouth, with Brother giving kisses to me while I did so, but it was interesting that he’d stepped in.

And when I was leaving the room with the contraband, I turned back to look and Brother was sitting squarely on Jackson’s head.

…and one to go. Sister gave in.

Of course I cropped the photos. I cropped out all the mess!