Hi, Clay, I started this once before but something happened and what I was writing got totally erased. So here goes again - -

Yes, Miya is asserting her "seniority" over Scout. Scout does not have to "do" anything to "provoke" an attack - - her presence is enough. Miya may need, and I emphasize the words may need - - some behavior modification so that the attacks do not become more serious. The fact that Scout is now deferring to Miya by keeping a respectful distance is a definite sign that Scout is getting the message loud and clear.

This is typical behavior in their wild cousins - - the wolf. Scout is the "newbie" in the family pack, and Miya is letting her know that. Your wife will need to assert herself as the ALPHA FEMALE in the household with Miya, because in the wolf pack, Miya's behavior would be letting the other females in the pack know that she and she alone has preferred status with the Alpha Male of the pack, which in your household is you, Clay.

Miya may need a "refresher" course in proper behavior. A firm "no" when you see her attack Scout - - even if it's just a nip - - Miya needs to know this is not acceptable. Hopefully you can read Miya's behavior BEFORE she strikes and can head it off at the pass with a firm "no" and a distraction. When she responds properly - - by leaving Scout alone - give Miya lots and lots of praise. Miya may also be feeling like all the attention is going to the "baby" - - which is Scout. She may be feeling left out - - which isn't the case I know, but I'm trying to think from Miya's perspective here giving you both the "natural world" persepctive as well as what "might be" Miya's emotional psyche. And for now, Clay, when you and your wife are both gone - - do NOT leave Scout and Miya in the same space. They will need to be physically separated - - by a gate or crate or something - - but they should not be left alone in the same space.

I hope this helps, Clay. There is bound to be some form of "seniority" posturing letting Scout know "her place" in the pack, and this is normal. But Miya needs to be reminded that your wife is the Alpha Female - - not her.

Clay, for some reason I can't open the links you gave to see the pictures, sigh. I will look forward to hearing more about how things are going. Please know you and all of your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you for those pictures, AngelCareOne... I love the "OMG! IT'S COMING RIGHT AT US"

My wife was home with her all day yesterday and there wasn't a sniff of trouble... no growling, no biting, nothing. And Scout has learned that when Mom gets up and heads for the kitchen it usually means goodies are on the way; to see her trotting off behind Miya and Takoda always makes me smile, but at the same time makes me sad, because it should be Winston that's here.

My son sleeps with all three of the dogs and Scout hasn't had a single accident in his room and there's been no incidents with Miya and Scout. In the morning I meet my son at his bedroom door and take Scout so I can get her outside while he gets Miya outside, and this morning Scout was so happy to see me. Little tail wagging a mile a minute with such vigor that her whole butt was shaking.

And yesterday I took her out to play fetch... she's getting the idea but by the time she started bringing the ball back she was pooped.

Hi, Clay, sounds like things are settling down with Miya and Scout. And it sounds like you've got a routine established in walks and play time, etc.. I know, there's always that void knowing that someone very important is not physically with you. Just close your eyes and think of your boy and you'll see Winston romping along with Miya, Takoda, and Scout. He's still with you, Clay - - always a heartbeat near.

I'm smiling at your description of teaching Scout to play fetch. My Samson was home with his grandmother (my mom) while I was work, and she taught him how to play ball / fetch, how to jump up on the furniture, etc., so every evening when I got home from work I got to see all the wonderful new things he learned. In the evening he loved to play ball with the both of us - - it was so amazing - - he would bring the ball to me to throw, he'd go and fetch it, and then he'd take it to his grandmother to throw, and so went the evening - - he wanted us both to play with him. Thank you for bringing a smile to my face - - both with your story with Scout, and bringing to mind a good memory for me.

Clay, I hope that life is treating you, your wife, and all of your family kindly, and that you will have a wonderful weekend to enjoy. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers and will look forward to hearig how things are going, to sharing your news - - whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Miya and Scout are still having the occasional tiff but it's mainly when Miya has a chew toy and she thinks Scout is going to take it, so we're making sure to keep an eye on them when they have rawhides.

We've also caught Miya backing Scout down from her food a few times and eating it, so we're feeding Scout separate from the other two, generally by putting her food bowl right next to one of us. For the most part, though, they're settling into their roles as pack members, with Scout firmly at the bottom of the pecking order.

Scout definitely adds to the house. Nothing will ever replace Winston but Scout certainly is trying her hardest. Here's a picture I took the other day of her and Takoda just chilling out. A few minutes before this picture Miya was lying where Takoda is, with Scout snuggled next to her, so they're well on the way to being buds.



And here's a picture I got of Scout outside the other day. I love the look on her face.

Hi there Clay,

That's very good news about how Miya and Scout are getting along better and smoothing in. I knew it would happen. It just takes a while to adjust. Watching The Dog Whisperer with Cesar Millan is a great program to learn about how to make those kinds of things happen. He has a Website too where you can ask questions. The man is a genius dealing with dogs. Wow!

By the way ...



Did you know there's a Birthday party going on for you in the CyberShoulder area? It's been going on since your birthday.

I know you love this photo so much and it is incredible! So, I did several variations in case you wish to share them with your family, friends or possibly save them to your files. Please click on the links and each image will pop up for you, Clay.

SCOUT FRAMED ONLY

SCOUT FRAMED AND ALSO SIGNED

SCOUT FRAMED WITH BUTTERFLY LADY

SCOUT FRAMED HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY

SCOUT BELATED BIRTHDAY BUTTERFLY SIGNED

SCOUT BIRTHDAY FAIRY NOT SIGNED

SCOUT BELATED BIRTDAY FAIRY SIGNED

Okay, I messed up somewhere because there's another image in front of my eyes and I can't see it. I'll be sure to edit that on in as soon as I figure which one it is. Hope you, your family and friends enjoy. Also, that color, size and text style was the best suited for this awesome photo. Unfortunately, it only comes in cap letters. Sorry about that. Oh, this is the one. It's edited in. LOL.

Hope you had a super terrific birthday and please give Miya and Scout sloppy doggie kisses from me!

Take care and hope to hear from you again soon! Gotta go now. Bye.



Always, Dottie xoxoxox

Hi, Clay, thank you so much for sharing your new pictures of Scout with us. I'm glad to know that things are "improving" between Scout and Miya, but as you are understanding this is on Miya's terms. Unfortunately food is a MAJOR indicator of "survival" rights within a pack, so it is good that you are separating Scout from Miya during meals. Sounds like Takoda and Scout are settling in very nicely with one another - - like Takoda is taking Scout "under her wing." That is so sweet.

Thank you so much for sharing these newest pictures of Scout with us, including one with one of her big adopted sisters. I think of you, Scout, and your family every day hoping that life is treating each of you kindly. Just remember - - Winston is there with you, too - - always.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi, Clay, it's been awhile since I've had a chance to stop by and say "hello". It's so good to see you here with us, and I hope everything is going okay with Scout, Miya, and Takoda. I've been thinking about your girls a lot over recent days, so I thought I'd stop in and give you, your family, and your girls my very best wishes and regards.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

I appreciate that a great deal.

She's doing well... there haven't been any more bad incidents with Miya, and the two of them have even started rough-housing a bit with each other, which is good to see. And Scout is smart as a whip, almost to the point of being scary. The other day I was sitting in the computer room and she came over to me and put her front paws in my lap and whined. She had just been out, so I told her "what's wrong? Show me what you want." She led me into the living room where Takoda was sitting on her dog bed, chewing on her rawhide and holding Scout's tucked under her front paws. So as a little sister often will, she snitched.

Scout is also very protective... the other day my neighbor's dog was out on his run and he barked at me. Scout, who was on her run, ran over to me, stood infront of me and barked at him.

We have to take her to the vet this afternoon... she still has a stitch from her spaying sticking out of the incision that I imagine they'll want to clip, plus she needs her nails trimmed and her next heartguard pill.

Clay, thanks so much for the update on Scout. What a sweet precious little girl she is. I'm so glad that she's doing so well, and it's not a bit surprising to me that she is protective. She knows she is loved, and no one had better mess with her family!!!!

Hope all goes well with the check up today. Have you thought about getting a PediPaws? I got one for Oslo, and what a blessing that was!! With his nails being black I never felt confident clipping his nails, and he was nervous whenever I tried - - he had really thick and tough toenails as well. The PediPaws took away the stress for the both of us. I donated it to the vet's office after he joined the angels. It's just a thought. It's one of the few products I can highly recommend.

Thank you again, Clay, for sharing how your girls are doing. I'm so glad Scout has someone she can rely on to tell her troubles to - - like when one of her big sisters hoardes her treats.

Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, Clay, and will look forward to knowing how things are going - - as you wish to share them.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

The checkup went well... the vet's not worried about the stitch, since it doesn't seem to be infected. She said it'd come out on his own. And as far as Pedi Paws, I may look into those. She has black claws and both times the vet has clipped them she's nicked them too close and made one bleed. (EDIT: I actually have one of those; I was thinking you meant the little sheaths you can glue over their claws. We've used that on Scout a couple of times and each time she gets a bit easier with it but we figured since we were at the vet we'd get them trimmed down.)

Scout has gained 10 pounds since her last visit a month ago... from 24 to almost 35. And as I said she's fitting in and adjusted well to us. She's really a great dog and as I think I mentioned no one will ever replace Winston but she sure is trying.

Hi, Clay, just being able to get caught up on the posts, and am so very glad to know that all went well with Scout's check up. Those stitches can be worrisome when you see them sticking through like that, and I'm so glad to know that the vet was able to put your minds at ease. And I'm glad to know that she's growing and gaining weight, appropriately.

Oh Clay, no one will ever be able to "replace" your precious Winston - - and Scout knows this. She just wants to have her own special place in your heart and life, and it sounds like this has already been accomplished - - the beginning of a new forever love. So, just enjoy your sweet Scout, Takoda, and Miya, and - - embrace the precious memories you have with your beloved Winston.

Thank you again so much for sharing how Scout's check up went. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers, and will look forward to hearing how things are going whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi, Clay, just stopping by to say "hello" and to see how your holidays have been, and to find out how your precious Scout's "first Christmas" was. I hope you and your family are enjoying these days, and know that your precious Winston is smiling deep within your heart as he shares these days with you.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Dearest Winstons Mummy Daddy and family.

I feel so deeply for you all that words cannot express when it happens in a so tragic accident it is made so very much worse by the "what ifs and "if only"'s and i think the truth is there is no answer to that.

I am not going to go into my own personal loss at this stage because its your grief that is the issue here. If you can find time maybe when you feel up to it you could read about my story. I am so very pleased however that you have so much love in your hearts to mention having another family member some day. Perhaps i hope my story may help you in this regard. I think you will keep having episodes of uncontrollable emotion and the tears will flow because you loved him so much. He will leave a hole in your life that no other dog will fill nor would you want them to or expect it. In the meantime please try to prop each other up as you stumble in your times when it all gets too much. A wise man once said to me "no one cries all the time in life and no one laughs all the time, its hills and valleys, ups and downs"

Do keep coming on here though and you will take comfort from knowing that people out here understand you and will cry for you and with you.
One more thing before i go, dont dwell on the what ifs? etc because none of us can turn back time. If only we could every accident in the world would be reversable, just treasure your time together. Little Winston will live forever in your hearts and souls.

Please if you can have a look at our Precious Baby I HOPE IT MAY HELP YOU ALL.

LOVE Gloria ***

Dog-wise, things are going great... the stitch that had been sticking out of her spay site finally fell out and she's well established herself in the pack. There haven't been any more incidents with Miya and no accidents at all. Our only gripe is she's very high-energy, but that's to be expected, seeing as she's still a puppy. She's an incredible dog and I'm very happy she's in our family.

As far as Christmas, where to start? Last Tuesday my son's car died when the timing slipped. The next day we had to have a fuse panel replaced with circuit breakers when the fuse panel started arcing and last night we had to drop $600 on our furnace when it stopped working. So I've taken my fair share of kicks the past few days but, as we always do, we come through it.

My father sent us a frame with "Winston" carved in wood letters in it. We put the picture of Winston with the Dorito bag in it and have it sitting on our desk. I still miss him something fierce but we can talk about him again and laugh at his antics without totally breaking down.

How about you? How are things going for you?

Thank you very much... we still miss Winston something fierce and always will but time has healed us, as time will. I mentioned in a response to Moon_Beam that my father sent us a frame with "Winston" engraved on it. We have the picture I posted here of him with the Dorito bag in the frame.

I haven't been here as much lately as I have been in the past... I've had so much other stuff going on it's been hard to devote the energy to coming here, but now that things are settling down into my usual home routine you guys will see more of me. And for your story, I'll be reading it shortly.

Hi, Clay, oh me - - the not so jolly side of the holidays. Bless your hearts - - you must be feeling like you're personally keeping the economy going forward. Oh how well I know that feeling!!! I do hope that the "trouble comes in 3's" has now departed from you.

What a lovely, thoughtful gift from your father. I know you will cherish that forever. I'm so o o glad that Scout is now fully healed from her surgery, and that things are well between her and Miya. Ah yes, the high energy years -. Treasure them, Clay, as I know you will.

Christmas was quiet here with my Noah as the weather prevented me from traveling to my brother's place for the Christmas gathering. Otherwise things are "steady as she goes" here, and for that I am grateful.

Clay, you are a very important part of our family here, and I will look forward to seeing you here whenever possible. Please know you and your family are frequently in my thoughts and prayers.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Clay,

Just wondering how you and Scout are getting on? Would love to see some recent pictures when you have the time.

Hope you and your family are keeping well.

Cheryl x

Hi, Clay, ditto to Cheryl's note to you. Hope life is treating you and your family kindly. WIll look forward to hearing from you whenever possible.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Sorry I've been a bit absent over the past few weeks... been kind of busy at home with various emergencies (nothing like having to have your fuse boxes replaced and then having your furnace die two days later).

And pictures of Scout? I think I may have one here somewhere...



Here's Scout snuggling on the couch with my wife. I entered this photo into a contest the Humane Society was running... if anyone wants to see it and cast a vote for her ($1 per vote, all proceeds benefit the Humane Society's Spay Day) head over here.



Here's Scout and Takoda, just chilling out on the dog bed.



I wish I could be this happy.

Scout is an incredible dog... she's very energetic and just loves being with the family. She hasn't gotten as big as we thought, but that's okay, because with all of her energy I don't know what I'd do with her if she was much bigger. We just bought her a new collar that says "Bad to the bone" on it... we think it's very fitting.

She must have been abused before we got her, though... I went into the kitchen a couple of days ago and caught her trying to eat a slice of pizza off of the counter. I said "SCOUT!" in a very firm voice and she yelped and ran, whining, to my wife and hid under her desk. I never raised a hand to her and didn't yell, but it's apparent she had a rough time before she came to us.

I'll be around a bit more now, I think... life has settled down a bit and I've honestly missed this place.