Wednesday 11 September 2013

dogs and toddlers

For some weeks now our staid old home has been energised by a visiting two-year-old on Wednesday evenings.

We've been very careful to separate Penny from the little one, because our visitor isn't used to dogs. Penny isn't too willing to be penned behind a doggy gate, but can usually be manoeuvred into the room with a treat. She can see the visitor through the gate.

Week by week, the little visitor has become more accustomed to Penny's presence, sometimes wanting to pat her; but in general quite wary.

Tonight, Penny waited behind the doggy gate for her visitor.


After a while, the little one wanted to come into Penny's room and meet her, and we let the visitor give a few 'sit' commands and drop treats for Penny. Eventually Penny was allowed out of the separate room and resumed her usual quiet evening doze in the family room with everyone else, even sitting on the couch next to our little visitor.

It was great to see the two of them comfortable together, but we didn't take our eyes off them for a moment, because it's so important there be no misunderstanding.

Finally Penny took herself off to another room to have a rest. But our visitor thought Penny needed some entertainment, so she rushed around fetching toys for her. (I love the way the camera gives an impression of her activity level!)


Penny was somewhat bemused by all the activity, but took it calmly.


What a lovely visit!

4 comments:

Lassiter Chase and Benjamin said...

Thats good news that Penny and the young visitor got along with each other. I like how many toys the young visitor brought over to Penny. Cute picture.

Molly the Airedale said...

You are such a good girl, Penny. The little one will look forward to coming back to your house and visiting with you!

Love ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly

parlance said...

Lassie and Benjie, maybe Penny has too many toys, lol. It was lovely to see that our little visitor acknowledged that the toys belonged to Penny.

parlance said...

Mitch and Molly, we'll be looking forward to her next visit. She is a sweetie!