Monday, June 25, 2008 — Chewelah, Washington
Scout and I have been parked in the yard of my friend Larah’s house since Thursday – or was it Wednesday? Maybe Friday. I don’t remember. The days all run together when you’re on the road.
We love this family – mom Larah, dad Chuck, and smart, adorable twin sisters McKenna and Genevieve – but two of their three small dogs don’t love us – well, they’ve accepted me but Scout is another matter. There’s lots of growling, especially when she steals a toy.
Sadie, the brindle mix, is particularly resentful. So last night, while I visited the bathroom and the family settled in for after-movie sandwiches on the couch, there was an incident.
Everyone is okay physically, but I am told that Sadie is especially bossy with the other dogs this morning. She did look traumatized last night when I came out. I am told that there was a dispute over begging rights for the sandwiches on the table. Scout wound up with Sadie’s head in her mouth.
I wasn’t there to see what happened, but I know Scout. When a dog snaps at her, she snaps back. I don’t blame Sadie at all, but it can be a little scary.
Sweet Sadie is an especially sensitive pooch. The family found her in a shelter after she was born feral. She is sweet and loving with her family and even me, but to her, Scout is an interloper.
Anyone who has camped with us knows that Scout is a thief. It has become a bit of a joke. She doesn’t care who that dog toy belongs to. To her, all toys are fair game. This character flaw does not go over well with Sadie. That recently led to an epic growl-off, which Larah had the good sense to record.
We thought the inter-dog tension would relax over time, but last night showed that it won’t. Today, Scout and I are giving Sadie her space. We are spending the day in the van instead of hanging out in the house. The last thing I want is for our presence to cause any unhappiness, human or canine.
I wish I knew how to help Sadie feel more secure with Scout around. But soon we will be gone, off to Canada and more adventures.
And sweet Sadie can relax.
