Two little dogs Part 2

For the past two weeks, Button has returned. My friend  went for an important surgery, so Button, who lived with us the last time Eleanor had a hospital stay, came to live with us once again. And much of what I wrote 5 years ago about Button's visit still makes me laugh, and still applies.

Our own little pooch, Shadow, has been a bit grumpier than usual, mainly because Button is able to jump up on our furniture and claim all his favourite spots (Shadow's short legs and our hardwood floors prevent him jumping that high). Of course, we have done our best to make things fair, ensuring that they both have comfy places to sit, Shadow with Lee, and Button with me.

But when it comes time for food, Shadow definitely has the upper hand. We set their bowls down on opposite sides of the kitchen, and Shadow gulps his down, right to the last tiny morsel. Button, on the other hand, takes her time, and leaves little bits behind. When she goes to check Shadow's empty bowl he moves over to clean up her leftovers! 

On walks, Button takes the lead, and Shadow, the older of the two, doddles along behind. He's never been one to be thrilled by walks, but if you take out her leash, Button bounces on her hind legs until she's harnessed up and ready to go. We've been fortunate that the weather has been good these past two weeks, so she's had some good walks.

The biggest difference we've noticed 5 years on is that both dogs sleep a lot more. And both snore!

Eleanor was discharged from the hospital yesterday, so our time with Button is coming to an end. I've enjoyed having her around -- Shadow adores Lee, watching his every move, and Button sticks with me. It's really nice to be a little dog's favourite person now and then. I'll miss her when she heads home.

Two little dogs

Button and Shadow

A friend of mine had her back surgery date bumped up earlier than expected, so for the past week, Button, her little black dog, has been our house guest.

Button is much like Shadow when it comes to size, sound, colour, and appreciation for stroking and snuggling, and that's pretty much where the similarities end.

Button is long and lanky. Shadow is short and stocky.

Button has energy to burn at a moment's notice. Shadow prefers to laze around.

Call Button, and she's Button-on-the-spot. Call Shadow... and he gets there... eventually...

Button goes up stairs in leaps and bounds. Shadow's short legs mean he takes one step at a time -- front paws, back paws, front paws, back paws...

Button jumps onto my lap or onto furniture no problem. Shadow whines to get up.

Button likes to chase and fetch her toys. Shadow watches things get thrown around.

If you say the word "walk," Button is at the back door five minutes ago, trying to put on her own leash. Shadow is hiding.

On walks, Button follows her nose. Shadow's eyes are always on the lookout for jack rabbits, squirrels or magpies, and he's ready to chase a car at a moment's notice. This confuses Button.

Button daintily picks a few kibbles from her food dish, sets them on the floor, and eats them a few at a time. Shadow inhales his.

They both seem a bit wary, or maybe slightly jealous, of each other -- Button of the somewhat grumpy dog who was here first, Shadow of the waggy interloper who seems to have won the affections of his humans.

I'm giggling as I type all this. It's been fun to have two dogs for the past week. They keep us laughing! And in spite of their differences, they both have loving hearts. Thanks, Eleanor -- we've enjoyed this experience!

It's another cold winter day, so we three just took a short walk (Shadow wears boots -- Button doesn't), and now I think I'll take Shadow and cuddle on the couch. Button will jump up and join us, no question!