a real family unit

The posts about Chopper are getting further and further apart.  I think that is mostly because we have fewer and fewer frustrations to share.  He's settling in nicely, though there are things we would change if we could.  For example, he still won't go into our backyard to relieve himself like Kolohe does.  We now take him for multiple walks a day, which is a change from our old way of just opening the door to let the dogs take care of things.  I don't mind the walks most of the time, but I wonder how tricky things will get with snow and ice in the winter--we live at the bottom of quite a hill!

We've adjusted his medication some, and moved him from Valium to Xanax.  I know, a dog on Xanax--as Greg says we're now officially yuppies. To which I reminded him that ship sailed with our last dog Otto and the fact I cooked more food for him, than for us as part of his cancer treatment.  The things we do for our four legged family! In any case, the xanax seems to last longer and have more of a calming affect on Chopper.  In the evenings when we are all settled into the den he explores the world around him, plays with different toys, asks for pettings, and occasionally chews on things he shouldn't. In a lot of ways he is like a puppy now.  An 80 pound puppy, but still the innocence he goes at life is very puppy like.

I think he has settled into the family unit and found real security in it. In the beginning he clung to the family unit more out of what felt desperation--it was a known entity and he didn't have any other options. Well he still doesn't have options, but I think he enjoys being a part of the family.  He will come over for pettings and lean up against us. When he sees Kolohe getting pettings he doesn't just watch from afar anymore, but comes wagging over like a regular dog saying "oh goodie, it's petting time, I want in on petting time!"

Walks, while a better alternative then the back yard, sometimes pose a problem for Chopper.  He can get freaked out by a strange sound or person.  However, the sight of other dogs instill excitement, play bows and lunges to go play. When we are able to go for what we call a "family walk" he isn't fearful, but wags the whole time.  Something about having both his people and Kolohe with him just makes the world right.

Some pictures from last night's love fest:

 

Chops leans up against Greg for some pettings. Kolohe gets chest scratches and looks up adoringly.

When more attention goes to Chopper then her, Kolohe crawls under Greg and starts her flirty flirt.

 Unusual for this submissive dog to look up at one of us.  We thought he might go for a chin kiss, but he lost his nerve :). Still, it makes for a cute shot!