So one of the things the crew and I have been working with Daphne on are her manners, especially where food is concerned. This has been going well. I still sit on the kitchen floor refereeing when everyone is eating though. The Chihuahua just can’t eat as fast as the bullies. So by the time Debbie and Daphne have inhaled their meal the mill-chi remains. So the bullies lie in wait.

 When Daphne first arrived she lacked the tact that Debbie has refined over her years of scavenging. Daphne would march right into Chi’s eating space. My three dog’s diet includes raw meaty bones which they eat on “bone rugs”. Essentially bone rugs are the nap time rugs we all had in kindergarten. The selection of a bone rug is a whole other neurosis I will not share at this time. Sooooo anyway, I consider each dog’s rug to be their personal eating space. Additionally, that space includes a buffer zone of about two dog lengths. I prefer four but will tolerate two if the manners merit.

Now you have not heard the threat of violence until you have heard the Chi growl “back-off be-ach!”. It carries all the weight of a “shoo” to Daphne. She figured out if you ignore the little bugger and continue forward in a menacing manner he will drop his food and bail. The need to referee so the bastard would eat became evident. I am stubborn and I want them all to eat in the same space and be respectful of one another. So it is said, so it shall be done.A

t first it was very difficult for Daphne to sit still like Debbie and watch the others languish over their food. But each day since she has arrived we have worked on “back”. She is so smart that she is learning quickly that patience is a virtue. When you wait at a respectful distance the spoils of the bone rug are yours to enjoy!! My sitting on the floor with her has worked well. When Daphne starts getting antsy to go into the Chi’s bubble I give her a little look of “I don’t think so missy!” so she comes and sits by me and squeaks. Sometimes she even shudders in anticipation. Debbie just sits and watches averting her gaze whenever I happen to glance in her direction.

She knows I think it is just pitiful. But if licking a damn rug brings her a little joy so be it.See Chi chowing on a chicken wing , note that he is alone in the kitchen as everyone else has been done, (my house is a fixer upper – so please excuse).Watch as Daphne patiently waits and ultimately view the sight of scavengers scavenging.

Filed under: Foster Updates, Observations & Reflection