April 23, 2022

 Roman is the last WDA member for pre-bed exercise. He and Steve go out into the yard, often times joined by Bailey and Zsofia, to do a final check of the perimeter, take care of business and rummage around in the dark. Then the girls come in through the dog door and Steve brings Roman through the kitchen door, with a stop to pick up "go into your crate" treats for him. That's the routine.

During the rummaging in the dark part of the excursion, out in the far corner of the yard, Roman erupted into snarling so loud we heard it in the bedroom. It was followed by Bailey returning the challenge. "Oh no," I thought. "The mellow Roman has run out of congeniality." I waited to hear Steve's voice commanding calmness and a return inside; it did not come.

Instead, Zsofia came bounding through the dog door followed by Bailey moving at zoomie speed. Neither looked frightened and their body language conveyed antics, not anguish. They continued past me to meet Steve and Roman coming from the kitchen.

"What was the fight about?" I asked as Steve turned into the hallway with Roman. The girls, including Opal and Diva, were strung ahead and behind them as though they were escorting a rock star. "I am not sure whether it was a fight or just play. It was too dark to see. Roman growled then ran up the ramp and sat next to me like he was hiding. Then Zso and Bai went tearing past. No one seems to have a problem now if there ever was one."

 "I am glad Lilly was not out there. I am pretty sure Roman is not ready to play with her yet. It has been a wonderful three days of making progress. Tomorrow let's ease back a little bit and reinstitute some separation just to give Roman especially a chance to recharge. I would rather end on a positive note for everyone than waiting to stumble.. Now, let's do bedtime treats for everyone."