February 27, 2019

White Dog suggested it was time to give Roman a little show of confidence. He has made significant steps toward thinking before blindly reacting and while he is far from 100% dependable, WD felt a small experiment would be a deserved reward to show our boy that his advances are being noted.

So after dinner, the time when we open mail and delivered packages, Steve told Roman the plan. Like always he would remain on the tether in the kitchen until we were done but instead of the gate being closed and his muzzle put back on, he would get extra muzzle free time and we would leave the gate open so he could remotely participate and his siblings could see him.

We were not foolish and explained to him that if he started acting nervous or making boundary keeping noises that we would close the gate. We told the others that this was a chance for Roman to be more included and that we expected that they would not push him by intruding in the kitchen; he was not ready for close muzzle-less contact. Steve stood three steps away ready to trouble shoot if needed.

Roman licked Steve's hand and settled into a posture that was relaxed and calm. I sent a prayer to the Rainbow Bridge WDA to guide our boy.

 For the 15 minutes it took for me to open and share with Steve, Roman was perfectly behaved. One warning kept our busybody, Bella, from crossing the threshold; she turned around and sat at my side. The others took up normal positions like always. WD beamed with pride.

After, Steve went to the kitchen and praised Roman's accomplishment. Then, like every night he put Roman's muzzle on,  distributed evening meds, and unleashed our boy. He came to me for a head scratch and a "job well done!" before curling up in the chair...just like nearly every night.

We will not make this a habit...yet...but we are mightily encouraged and so very proud that THIS day Roman rose to the challenge in aces.