“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?
YOU CAUGHT some precious moments!That's for certain!HOW SMART is that BEN!!!!!LOve that you were able to capture a moment! I raise my glass tonight TOO MANY MORE times like this………………..XOXO
Buddies or not, there's a bond, more like family than friend 🙂 Sorry that Kipling still has a nervous aggressive problem- so glad you have been able to stick by him.
One tip I have recently learnt- nose licking can be a sign of insecurity, yawning is the appropriate relaxation signal. We always yawn at our spaniel if she seems stressed and either it works or she is wondering what on earth we are doing and forgets to be worried!
Happy Anniversary Kipling xx
Oh, my – those photos are too sweet! Happy two years with your sweet Kipling!
Kids 'n Pets 'n Pets 'n Kids ….. Innocence 'n Love 'n Love 'n Innocence ….. bless those who understand this ….. like You 'n Remi 'n Remi 'n You. I believe the Aussies express this one perfectly .. "Good on ya!"
Aloha,
Bill
http://www.Kauai-to-Paris.com
He is a mystery that Ben is doing his best to unravel. Two years seems like such a short time, yet with a dog, it can feel like so much longer. We brought Karina home just four short years ago this past January — yet she is so much a part of our daily life. Our joy.
Indeed, "What would our lives be without them?"
Love the dogs and pics.
Great post, Heather. I've missed the updates on your four-footed family members!
My heart is thoroughly warm now, Heather. It makes me smile to think of how much Kipling has learned from you all – and how much you have learned from him and what you've brought to each others lives. Lucky dogs all around. They are both so beautiful and it will be interesting to see how they continue to influence one and other – and you, too! Happy Anniversary Kipling!
BTW, I know you've been a big advocate for us getting a dog – sadly I had a talk with Will about it yesterday because I just don't think it's the right thing at this point. My mom and dad's little sweet fox terrier has required a series of vet appointments, nothing serious but she's been going weekly for checks to make sure an scratched cornea and eye infection is healing. It's challenging to make sure I'm taking care of all my parents' needs on my weekly visits and add the dog into the mix and it gets even more complicated. As much as I would love the joy of a dog of our own, I have nothing left over in terms of the care and responsibility right now… So best to let it go for awhile and enjoy little Lila while she's still with Mom and Dad. Our dog days will come when it's the right thing 🙂
Until then, I'll take joy in your gorgeous boys! XOXO
Heather, it is so interesting to hear about the differences in Ben and Kipling's personalities!
These images of their friendship and playfulness are wonderful! Happy Anniversary to Kipling!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Look at those sweeties playing!! Of course they are buddies! I think they are buddies in the way that Lucy and Tennyson are; not doting buddies, but, yeah-I-guess-I-love-you buddies. You realize that I can totally relate to this since Lucy is my "troubled child" who couldn't even be around other dogs, and now she has such a friend and playmate in Tennyson! Like you, it brings me HUGE joy when they play. And I think Lucy, like Kipling, has warmed up as she has felt safe in this loving surrounding, with another patient pup to show her the ropes. I'm so glad you have stuck with him – I know he brings you all a lot of love! The 4th picture down is my favorite – Ben bowing and Kipling shaking his head – adorable!! Happy Anniversary, Kipling, and to those who love you! I look forward to meeting you one day!