4.05.2012

April 5, 2012

White Dog did not respond as I expected. She is usually an understanding and fair leader of the White Dog Army, but here she was growling and making a fuss at Quinn who had managed to squeeze himself into her sanctuary behind the window chairs. He was now trapped although she, behind the other chair, was small enough to come through the legs of the end table...a route she often uses.

Steve had barely left the neighborhood this afternoon heading for his late teaching session when Quinn and YoYoMa got into a tussle. Quinn went dashing to the front door in an effort to join Steve...traveling right over YoYoMa who was sleeping in the inside doorway. Yet Another White Dog (who is blind) started to wakefulness growling a protest; The Other White Dog responded to the challenge. In a heartbeat the two were pushing and grabbing fur. My "STOP IT NOW!" growled in the momma's mad voice broke things up immediately. YoYoMa went to lie on the opposite side of the room; Quinn hid along the side of the chairs. YAWD mumbled a final insult which sent his brother behind the chairs...AND started White Dog on HER tirade.

I'll admit it; I have become very overprotective of Quinn since he started having seizures. I have promised him that he will be safe and no matter what we will be there for him and by dog, I will not let the others intimidate. So both WD and YoYoMa were banished to the yard as I tried to coax TOWD (who was now splayed flat on his belly and moaning piteously) out from his hideout. He was stuck. And I was unable to maneuver the furniture to free him. I snaked my arm behind the chair and stroked his ears in an effort to calm him.  With my other hand I stretched for the phone and silently begged that there had been a line at the gas station as I dialed Steve's cell. I hate when I get in "I Love Lucy" situations and need to call my big strong husband to save the day but when I explained the situation Steve insisted on coming home to help "his boy."

While waiting, Quinn and I talked about the fact that I was really being unfair to his brother and sister. After all, Yo had been jostled awake and was surprised; he could not see that it was Quinn; to him, it was an attack. And White Dog was defending her special space. No one is allowed back there and it is a sanctuary that is universally respected...except today. WD did not see the fear in Quinn nor had she witnessed the disagreement at the door. In my desire to keep TOWD from being afraid and avoiding a possible seizure, I had ignored the needs of the other two.

Steve rushed in a short time later to move the coffee table and drag the chair away. Quinn buried his head against Steve in thanks. He was not happy when Steve told him that he could not go to school and  I felt a surge of panic about how the evening would play out.

YoYoMa napped on the deck with Puff soaking up the afternoon sun and Quinn curled up next to me at the computer desk and slept heavily. I have kept one boy or the other within quick reach just in case but this afternoon's hostility seems to be mostly forgotten. They ate dinner side-by-side. WD nosed Quinn in apology immediately after he was freed and TOWD has shown no interest in revisiting her den. In reality, it seems the only one still dwelling on the incident is me. And all I can offer as an excuse is that it is hard being the momma...sometimes you just worry.

15 comments:

Sally Ann and Andy said...

Oh My darling Siku, are you ok? I am comming there to be by your side. I will bring a special baby with me. Please tell your brothers I said Hello, and they need to be calm. My big sister suffered from the seizure monster, so if he tries to bother your brother; then, tell him to eat a bit of human suger. Mommy used those tubes of diabitic glucose, and my big sister's fits stoped.
Your paramore,
Andy

Dachshund Nola said...

It can get a bit hectic in a multidog house to say the least!
Dachshund Nola

Jo's World said...

I hope they just forgive and forget and don't carry any grudges. Mostly dogs do forget and forgive, but I have seen a few that won't give up for anything and upset their families over such goofy things.

Cheers and hugs to all the White Dogs and their Mom,

Stella, Jo and Zkhat

haopee said...

I don't know what to say, WDA momma. You just got yourself into an age old parent dilemma. I hope the Mighty Quinn is alright now. Was he quivering or did he turn out alright when WDA dada pulled him out?

Yes, it sounded like you've been a little harsh on Siku and YoYoMa. Still, don't worry. I'm pretty sure that they understood that you were just protecting TOWD.

Huggies and Cheese,

Haopee

Remington said...

Things happen....but that is what makes a great family....to forgive and forget...the love is always there....Happy Easter, my friends!

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Sometimes things get a little crazy and the humans realize the pups have good and bad days, just like the humans do. This was just a bad day. And there'll be more of both good and bad. Sorry about all the stress.

Brian's Home Blog said...

OH being trapped like that had to be scary, but I am glad everyone handled it well. I hope you all have a calm weekend!

Random Felines said...

Yep - it is hard being the mom sometimes.....wish we could all just live in the moment sometimes. glad that it was settled - and that Steve was able to come and help. :)

The Daily Pip said...

Families can be challenging, but in the end we all forgive and forget and move on ...especially dog families!

Happy Easter!

Your pal, Pip

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

Oh dear it sounds like it was scary there for a minute or two but I am sure all was forgiven and that peace once again is restored. Thank goodness for Steve who came to the rescue.. Hugs GJ xx

Kari in Alaska said...

Its always interesting in a multidog house when one dog is off for a bit and how the others react

Stop on by for a visit
Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com

meowmeowmans said...

Being a parent is always filled with challenges, but they are borne out of love. It sounds like things worked out in the end, and we have our paws crossed that you have a WDA-style, love and peace-filled weekend.

Hugs to you all!

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Hi All, its not easy looking after a housefull like yours but that's what family life is all about. You take the good with the not so good, support whoever needs it and keep on going. Well done to you White Dog Army mum. We think you are amazing. No worries, and love, Stella and Rory

24 Paws of Love said...

Not sure what to say, except that I have been there, more times than I would like to. I always find it so amazing when after a confrontation is broken up, there is very little, if any qualms after, yet I'm shaking like a leaf!! I don't know how dogs snap that switch, but I wish they would teach me how to do it. :)

I am so honored that you find inspiration from my relationship with Brut for Micheal. For many times I have felt the exact same thing. (in reverse of course) On my blog list there is a mother who has 4 special needs children, (I think two are autistic) and I draw strength from her as well, because she just states how she feels and I can relate so well to her. It's called Autism as a Whole. It's a good blog if you are interested in checking it out.

Thank you so much for such a wonderful compliment. :)

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Oh it gets so scary and you never know if the fighting will end- even when you tell it to!
love
tweedles