Jackson, Day 11: Oh Brother
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.