When we went on vacation, we took the Zs up to my in-laws. My MIL was happy to have them as their beagle/terrier mix passed earlier this year (he was REALLY old...he was a pound rescue, and certainly no younger than 15 and could have been as old as 18 or even 19). This was the first time in three years that we took the Zs elsewhere, as we usually have a pet sitter come by.
Three years ago, Zeke was thrilled to be in new surroundings while Zora was a nervous nellie. Zeke had the "ok, see ya" attitude, while Zora frantically tried to leave with me. Three years later, the roles reversed. Zora seemed comfortable sniffing around the house and looked at me like "Oh, you're leaving? No biggie." while Zeke was whining and barking. According to my in-laws, Zeke whined the first day, but then settled in.
When I went to retrieve them after the trip, Zeke was right by the door, barking and going beserk. Zora took up a defensive posture when I entered. She was making defensive barks and when I approached her, she continued in a defensive posture. Even when I said "Zora, It's me" she continued to maintain her defensive position. It took about another 30 seconds when she saw Zeke going bananas that she finally "released" her defensive posture and came over to join Zeke in the happy reunion. I thought it was interesting how quickly Zora became loyal and protective of her "babysitters"...much different than three years ago. It's also interesting to see that our furkids are always constantly evolving.
David the return is all our pair as when Nick gets home from work they go on and on and on till he says "It's me you idiot's" then its "sorry dad, did'nt recognise you while we were barking" then the run up the hall barking to tell me "dad's home"
ya just wonder what goes through those heads................probably not much................
The evolution IS interesting..... especially after having our kids for many years...... I am certain the Z's are thrilled their family is all HOME!!!!
:verdict: The Herd used to "stranger alert" bark at whoever came in the door - including me or D'Niel (when he lived here). They wouldn't stop until I yelled "I LIVE HERE!!" at which point they would sort of slink off, clearly embarrassed.
Auntie Keren :rolleyes:
Great thing you remember their reactions now and then. They surely always have these feelings and behaviors that comes out in no time..