summer_jackel

Yeah. He's just sickeningly adorable, isn't he? Nesting in my not-quite-dirty laundry on the floor. 11 1/2" at the shoulder as of today. I think we're still in the "safe zone" in terms of projections for adult height.

He and Rogue were all-out playing this evening, which delighted me. They have been slowly warming up to each other and getting to know one another and doing a little chasing on walks, but none of the fully committed play of similar-status packmates until now. Nocturne was Coba's only full playmate (they still wrestle). Shelties, as a breed, do not warm to people or other dogs quickly; while they are unfailingly polite, it takes them time to form bonds, and when they do, the bonds are deep. (The wolves are similar, sometimes more so). This is of course one of the things I like in a dog, but it goes the other way as well...a loss can hit a sheltie more strongly and for a longer time than with a less 'one-person' breed. After Kestrel moved out with Skeeter, Rogue got very depressed. Though I helped raise her and she and I have always had a very loving relationship, she was always primarily Kestrel's dog, and she knew it. She's still adjusting. (So am I, honestly). I had hoped that having another of her kind would ease her transition, and it looks as though that's coming into fruition.

I'm happy.

Spontaneous tug-of-war session!

Rawrr! They (think they) are such *fierce* little fluffballs.

It's all an act. Shall we dance?

Totally awesome to see Rogue instigate play by taking the submissive posture. That is one of the ultimate signs of affection in a dominant dog, when directed towards a subordinate. Again, I've never caught Rogue soliciting this way before.