Sunday, Rusty began really playing at the park. He and Skally were barking at me after we played in the open field.
There were a couple of dogs who were playing roughly, and one of them was a 7 month old pitbull mix. He was a wild one. Rusty took him on, galumphing after him and barking orders. Skally began playing with a giant schnauzer, and wasn't at all interested in Rusty's shenanigans (it would seem they are finally beginning to bond). After Rusty's romp with the pit, he was proud. He ran over to where Skally and I were, and chest bumped her with a huge grin. Skally was somewhat shocked. Never had anyone, least of all another dog, chest bumped her. This was the beginning of the bond.
On Monday, Rusty was a little tired from all the running about he had done the day before. But we still took our walk - it was 20 minutes longer than normal, but he did it. I went to work, afterward.
Upon my return home, we headed for the park and guess what!? More galumphing and running about! Skally's corgie friend showed up, as well, and they played for quite some time. Rusty tried to play with them, but they shut him out - so he ran after some other dogs.
His energy level is increased, and it's obvious he's losing some weight! He is still having some troubles climbing stairs, but that's about pacing, at this time, rather than an inability; you see, he tries to charge up the stairs which, with his weight, forces his legs to slip. When I walk slowly before him, he tends to have fewer problems. He is getting much better, though.
Tuesday, a brisk walk (how about that!) in the morning, and out to the park in the afternoon. We went to the big dog park, and Rusty began chasing Sonny, the dog from the news who had been stolen from PetSmart's dog adoption program (no, his current people adopted him - he had been returned). Sonny's owner told me that Rusty had bitten his dog, but everything was okay. So, I watched Rusty a little more closely - He did it again with another dog - but it wasn't a bite. In his attempts to herd & chase the other dogs, Rusty mouths them or jabs at them with his nose - quite interesting. I told Sonny's dad, and we watched and realized this was true. Thank goodness - I thought I was going to have a problem! Pepper, the park mascot (for all intents and purposes), has begun to like Rusty. She caters more to Skally - they're both alpha females, but Pepper, a pit bull mix, succumbs to Skally's wishes, and is quite submissive to her!
We then took a good walk, and home for dinner and bones.
Wednesday, more of the same. Good walk, and in the evening (I was a little later coming home) the park. Tonight Rusty demonstrated dominance. He began to hump Sonny as Sonny was dominating another dog. I was a little shocked! But we laughed. He did it again later, but it did me good to see his joints were becoming a little looser.
He ran a little more, and with more dexterity - his turns and his moves showed more finesse. Impressive!
A walk then dinner and chewies. He slept quite well!
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