Its been many years since theres been a puppy in my house. Since Nailah is 8 years old, well out of her puppy years, I havent had the chance to smell that strangely fragrant puppy breath for far too long.
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| Poor Niles is having a crash course in puppyhood too. |
So when my friends asked if Id watch their 1 year old dachshund for a week I jumped at the chance! Ive been thinking about getting another dog for a good while now, though thats still far off, so what better way to get reacquainted with puppyhood than with a borrowed pooch?
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| I always forget how gentle Nailah can be. |
So on Christmas Eve Zoey came into our household. Shes a very sweet little girl that has a TON of energy. She is housebroken (though there was an accident on our tree skirt) but is a bit stubborn. She is also extremely affectionate, something I am not used to.
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| "Whats this "sharing" business you speak of?" |
Niles isnt really the snuggly type so I thought itd be interesting to see how Zoey would mesh with my personality. Whenever I sit down she jumps right onto my lap and makes herself comfortable. At first this was endearing since I sometimes wish Nailah was more affectionate, but soon I realized it wasnt my cup of tea. I need my space and Niles is good at giving it to me. Zoey on the other hand constantly needs attention and love and I am not good at giving it to her.
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| "Youre lucky my mom is watching!" |
Though I have been giving Zoey a lot of affection, more than I normally give any dog, its because I want her to be happy and feel safe in our home. Its not that I cant stand showering her with attention (I really like the pup!) but I do find it rather exhausting.
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| Of course since they both can have access to the ball neither of them wants it. |
Ive been trying to think back to what Nailah was like when she was a puppy, but I cant recall her ever been this doting. Im not saying Niles ignores me all day, but she has a different way of expressing her love. Aussies are often called "Velcro Dogs" and I can attest to this being true. Shes my little shadow, following me wherever I go. If I move from my desk to the kitchen she trails behind me. Bed to couch, shes right there. She even waits for me outside of the bathroom door when I take a shower. She wants to be with me at all times, but she doesnt need to be on me like Zoey.
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| I think this picture perfectly illustrates the difference between these two. |
Maybe she learned to behave this way because Im not a very touchy feely person myself? Or perhaps I just naturally gravitated towards that type of personality when I chose her over her more playful brother? If Id have to chose Id go with the latter.
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| Zoey more interested in cuddling than playing with Nailah. |
Regardless of how Niles came to have her perfect (at least for me) balance of affectionate yet hands off I cant imagine having it any other way. As much as I love Zoey I dont think I could have a dog that was as sweet and adoring as her, we just arent a good match! I am having a blast taking care of her and seeing what else I learn about my dog preferences along the way.
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| Though the occasional snuggle can be a good thing! |
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