March 6, 2018

"White Dog, she is playing with him. Do not overreact," I told her. WD shook her head. "She is scaring him."

Opal plays a game with Sachi that I know comes from her years as a mill dog. She prances up to him and gently sniffs his face and ears. She sashays around him and then presents her raised tail. Sachi pretends not to notice her and she tries harder to get his attention with more prancing. Or she puts her front paws on his back. Sachi whirls around quickly and the game of chase is on...out of the door and throughout the yard.  They both come dashing back in together and collapse in front of water bowls.

The problem is that apparently Roman does not know this game. He is not sure what to do with Opal, the Little Hussy. He seems to enjoy the face and ear nuzzling but the bold prancing and standing on his side cause him to look a bit intimidated. And when she moves with purpose toward him, poor Roman's eyes grow wide and he heads over to sit at my side.

I drape my arm protectively over his back and remind My Sparkling Girl that "No" means no! And at her sad look, I explain that maybe in time Roman will want to play like she and Sachi do but for now, she must respect his shyness and give him space to find his comfort level.

To her unasked question. "Do not assume that he does not like you or want to play just because he is slow and gentle. Just be yourself and you may one day be surprised."