The beasts just finished dinner and have gone back to chewing their cow knuckles. We buy and cook them periodically—even domestic dogs worry about salmonella. Shania has been somewhat of a bone lord today—she methodically collected, then “buried” them in various spots, including a duct leading under the house. D. found and redistributed them…Shania’s been a little depressed since then.
Right now, she’s discreetly lying near the pups’ food bowl, doing a little reconnaissance—sometimes they leave a few bites. Shania’s weight fluctuates depending on the pups’ appetites, so we’ve explained that she can’t eat their leftover food.
She listens and appears subservient…I think she only hears “blah, blah, blah, food—good girl” and feels invited to partake of their leftovers. She looks utterly perplexed when we catch her and reiterate, “NO! Blah, blah, blah, food!”
I should explain that when I say pups, I’m talking about Brecken and Sedona—they’re 2 ½ years old. Shania’s the matriarch at five years, even though the “pups” are bigger than she is. She’s status conscious—the pups totally respect that.
I’ve learned a lot about instinctual canine hierarchy watching the three of them. Such as, more than two dogs constitute a pack…not a good scenario. I love our girls, but won’t have more than two at a time in the future.
Hmmm…if you love dogs, mastiffs in particular, this post has fascinated you, otherwise, you’re thinking, “Get a life, Reverie!” My response…this is my life and I’m stickin to it!
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