Be Careful What You Wish For...

I've often thought Sadie needs a playmate.  At least once a day she comes in and paws at me until I go outside with her.  I'd love another Beagle, but I don't want to do the puppy thing again (they can be stubborn to house-break).  I thought of a rescue of any medium breed dog, but you can't always be sure (until it's a done deal) that they're house-broken, don't have issues, and will get along with your other pets.  

Sadie

My latest thought was a cat.  I'd want a kitten so it could grow up with Sadie and maybe they would be buddies.  I'd love to have a Ragdoll or Maine Coon or even a look-alike rescue.  I do have concerns about scratching and I dread a cat box, but I could probably work through those things.  I just haven't gotten around to seriously looking at adoptions--another item on my to-do list.  

What I've always said was, "I wish someone would just drop a Sadie-size, house-broken, well-behaved--and of course, adorable--dog in my lap" so I wouldn't have to think myself out of it.  Well, be careful what you wish for!  Because it happened.  

A friend sent out an email saying her aunt was very ill and could anyone foster her dog for a while.  I'm not interested in fostering per se (I'd get attached) but she said it might turn into an adoption.  So before I went on vacation, I took Barclay for two weeks.

Barclay

As you can see, he's a beautiful Sheltie (Shetland Sheepdog) who was a show dog before the friend's aunt adopted him.  His vocal cords were punctured (disturbing--but evidently not uncommon for Shelties) to curb his bark , so he sort of squeaks--which is actually quite cute.  He loves to be outside, and can be unattended--I leave the door open all summer for Sadie.  But for whatever reason, he is painfully timid and skittish.  I could hardly get near him the two weeks I had him.  

I went on my trip and thought about how sweet he is.  In the meantime, my friend's aunt passed away--so Barclay was up for adoption.  And now I have a second dog!  "Barclay" (I thought it was Barkley until I saw his pedigree) doesn't roll off my tongue, so I'm calling him Barksy or Barks for short. 

Barksy after his summer haircut--a shorter mane and trimmed legs

It's going to be a long-term project to get him comfortable with me, much less others--but I'm optimistic.  He's the perfect size--same height and weight and coloring as Sadie.  He's six, Sadie's seven.  He does need grooming, and at his first appointment, I found out he isn't neutered--but that's a quick 'snip'!  

The only other issue is Sadie.  She has no trouble being around him and she quickly established herself the 'alpha' of the  household.  But she's been a spoiled 'only-child' and never learned to share.  She's determined he will not get my full attention, and she's let him know that all treats in the house should be hers!  But with a little discipline...  

We had a heartwarming breakthrough this week--Sadie initiated play and they ran around chasing each other for a good ten minutes!  And that's exactly what I wanted!

~ THE BEGINNING ~