“Are they buddies now? Because they look like they are.” I paused before replying to my Sister’s question, “Kiiiind of.” But I thought about it afterwards as well as the iphone photo that I had sent her. Certainly, they were practically snuggled up together in it. Could my long held wishes be finally coming true?
It has been two years since we adopted Kipling. And amazingly – at least to me – his relationship to Remi and I as well as with our other dog Ben is still evolving. Two years is a long time and we certainly have had some surprising setbacks since moving to this tiny village as it has brought out in Kipling an even more aggressive attitude towards outsiders (dogs, cats and humans included) that we had seen in Arles. We have had some harrowing moments, I will admit. But gentle Ben, ever the ambassador of Good Hearts, has been utterly determined to reassure Kip and to teach him the one factor to being “a happy and healthy” dog that has been missing from the list: to play. I have seen it over and over these past few months, Ben will shake his toys in Kipling’s face and do everything within his ken to initiate a bit of rough and tumble. And Ben is the farthest thing from a rough and tumble dog! He is clearly doing it out of love and concern for his companion.
Remi has been telling me that it is starting to catch on but I wanted to have so some sort of photographic proof before talking about this with you all. So imagine my delight upon re-entering the courtyard the other day (luckily with camera in hand) to find Ben pointedly staring at me as if to say, “Watch this!”
Ben barely knows how to fake growl – bless his heart – but apparently it is enough to get Kipling worked up into a round of whoofs and whoos.
And then, it began. Ben pulled his signature move of throwing the front half of his body down to the ground while Kipling shook his head with joy (something he picked up from Ben) and excitement.
I wish you could know how incredibly happy these photos make me.
For Remi was right. Kip clearly has a few moves of his own. Such as sitting on your opponent…
…and something that he has done to me: gently gnawing on my arm as if to chase away fleas! Gnar, gnar, gnar, gnar…
Can you see Ben looking up at me during a pause in the action? He is clearly so proud of himself. As he should be.
And so, it is a start. It has been fascinating to see how these two adult male dogs inform each other – Kipling encouraging Ben to be more of a “guy guy” and Ben coaching Kip to be more trusting. And I am sure that this evolution isn’t over yet…
…but one thing that I do know is that I am glad that you are here Kip.
We love you, crazy rascal! Petit fripouille!
Kipling’s story is quite something and for all of the new folks here (Thank you!), you might want to take a look at:
and
Sending out wishes of Love, Health and Safety for all of our four-legged friends around the world.
What would our lives be like without them?
Congratulations to Ben, well done! Getting dogs to cohabitate peacefully and tolerate each other's quirks is a big job. So well done! Life may well be a little easier for you from here on out.
Such beautiful beasts, meant the world to meet them in Arles a year ago. Miss them, miss you. XXXX G
I loved reading this and seeing the photos. Our Australian Jack Russell, Bentley, is 8 and he is not the playful type at all. Last autumn we got two young kittens, one of them and Bentley have become the best of buddies, now he even instigates the play himself. Then a few days ago we were walking on the beach and Bentley actually went up to another dog and started playing, we were amazed!
Thank God for giving us Dogs. That Ben is a super guy. Wish I had one of them. Waiting to see if Cancer came back, when I know if the answer is good I'll get a love bunny dog of my very own. Enjoy the days with them.
yvonne
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY KIPLING. You are a good dog and companion.
You are giving Kipling all the loving and Ben does too.
They look wonderful together.
Oh my, "yeah I guess I love you buddies" is great! I think that is what is happening. 🙂 And there are times when I still can't believe that we just happened to have the perfect dog to be a companion for Kipling. Mom asked me the other day about if Kip and Sweetie would get along and I said that I just can't even fathom the possibility!
Wow, so wild and fun! If I look at Ben I start believing in rebirth. Is he a dog? Or simply the most gentle and wise kind of a creature! And the best companion for Kipling who has a courtyard to defend now! He'll still find his balance, for sure! Bonne anniversaire, Kipling
Great photos of the two dogs in motion you shot here! (Bens signature move is so amazing…)
PS: I loved the colours and patterns and your thoughts about possibilities of the last post.
PPS: Spring is coming (; Bisous
Your puppers are special. 🙂 They will continue to delight and intrigue you and us. And as they mellow and adapt to each other so will you.
Happy Anniversary Kipling! Great photos
Reading into the pets we see online is an interesting aspect of blog reading I didn't expect. Dog whispering without a dog or a good whisper. I may be wrong, but I see them feeling the blues as they adjust to the absence of all their favorite sniffing places, and, the vibes of the old hood/city their alpha dogness thrives on. Their home isn't the same as the human home they share. I'm glad to see Ben is helping Kipling cheer up. The change in location might be bringing memories back that Kipling has to adjust to much like a person with PTSD does. Showing support by having a beer, pizza, and a long talk would be a human thing. I'd try it anyway giving the pets sausage instead of pepperoni. I'd also give the home a good cleansing prayer or blessing.
Looks like they are playing the "snap face" game that my two goldens (sisters) play. It involves snapping jaws at each other and nibbling at each other ears and legs combined with some licking and cleaning…it's so much fun to watch! Dogs are great teachers when it comes to interpersonal dynamics.