Once she
was clean it was time for her and Kirby to meet. I had been talking to him since I got home
but hadn’t yet let him out of his kennel.
Needless to say, he was not very happy with this new situation and made
his feelings quite known. First, I took
them outside so they could take care of business. Other than a look now and then Kirby ignored
her.
Next I
prepared their dinners. Kirby had his
Honest Kitchen meal which has a really fresh delicious aroma. Cordelia had kibble which I placed in a bowl. She decided she only wanted Kirby’s food
which I solved by mixing some of his food with her kibble. Dogs do know good food when given a choice!
The only
sign of aggression I saw was when she growled at Kirby as he walked close to
her food bowl. The rest of the weekend I
fed them at opposite ends of the kitchen while I stood watch in the
center. Whenever I gave them treats
however both would sit somewhat close to the other and wait for their
individual treat. She never growled or
tried to take Kirby’s treat.
Maybe it
was being in a new place but Cordelia pottied in the hallway that first
night. Cleaning it up I said “Bad dog”
in a stern voice. Cordelia just backed
up and watched me. Kirby, on the other
hand, began barking, loudly, at me. When
he was being housetrained I would say that to him and watch him walk away with
his head held down. I think he wanted me
to know he didn’t do this - it was her!
Later that
evening everyone settled down in the living room, Kirby on the recliner with me
and Cordelia on the couch. Each dog
watching the other. But then something
happened. Cordelia got up and begin
investigating the house. I followed just
watching. She quickly discovered Kirby’s
toy box much to his chagrin. When she
began playing with one of his toys Kirby jumped in to take it back. Suddenly they were playing together. From that point on they were friends. Whenever Cordelia got too rough, Kirby would
warn her with a growl or nip. Several
times Cordelia would chase Kirby around the house which is a game he already
loves. That’s pretty much how the
weekend went. Play, nap, eat.
When it
was time to go to bed I placed Cordelia in Kirby's kennel. She whimpered for about ten minutes then
settled down for the night. Both
Saturday and Sunday mornings she had us up before 7am ready for the day. Both days went quite well. They played inside, they played outside, they
took lots of naps. I baked some dog
treats Saturday and on Sunday I decided to make them Terrier Tuna for
breakfast. She always asked for more so I think it’s safe to say Cordelia
enjoyed her food. Except for the one
growl this little lady had excellent manners.
She knew the command ‘sit’ and would immediately do so whenever asked.
This
weekend happened to be Halloween so we had several trick or treaters Saturday
night. In preparation I hooked each dog
to a leash which I then attached to my heavy coffee table. Cordelia kept her seat on the couch while
Kirby went from the recliner to the door and back again. Every time I answered the door Cordelia would
simply look at the children. Kirby, on
the other hand, was very vocal with his dislike. He absolutely did not care for these strange
looking creatures who kept coming to our door.
I also
have two cats who had different reactions to Miss Cordelia. Kaitlyn, the younger one, simply went about
her business pretty much ignoring this new strange dog in her home. She had no problem being in the same room but
refused to allow Cordelia to get close.
Chelsea, the older and wiser one, chose to stay outside as much as
possible, only coming in for a quick meal.
Kirby happens to think one of his many jobs is to herd the 'girls' in at
night. Cordelia liked this idea and
tried to help which only infuriated Chelsea.
A loud hiss and swat convinced Cordelia this wasn't such a fun game
afterall.
Becca came
to the house Sunday evening to pick up Cordelia who didn’t appear to want to
leave. She jumped into her chosen seat
on the couch and looked as if she were sulking.
She probably didn’t want to get back in a car but I’d like to think she
wanted to stay with us. I’ve thought
about her every day since causing me to realize I am going to have to guard my
heart since I can’t keep them all. I
think Master Kirby has missed her too.
I knew
this experience would be good for me. It
turns out Cordelia was good therapy for Kirby.
He had been afraid of large dogs since he was bitten and now he is
finding that not all big dogs bite. It
also turns out Kirby was good therapy for Cordelia. When Becca picked her up Sunday night I
showed her a video I had taken of the two of them playing with a tennis
ball. Becca got choked up and told me
they had not been able to get Cordelia to play at all.
I have always known dogs have an uncanny ability
to help people whether it be rescue, overcoming fears, or something as simple
as companionship. Now I know dogs have
the ability to help dogs.
Originally posted November 4, 2010
Update 8/24/11: A few weeks ago we went to a pooch pool party in Starkville. There was this particular dog who started playing with Kirby that really caught my attention. Upon meeting her owner I couldn't help but mention that her dog looked so much like Cordelia, a foster we once had. To my surprise she responded, "That is Cordelia".
She was fostering and came to the conclusion that Cordelia belonged with her so she took the next step of adopting her and re-naming her Kori. To actually see "Kori" so happy and healthy as she ran and jumped and played was good for my heart. To know she finally had a forever family of her own was good for my soul.
I hope Kori and Kirby have future play dates at the dog park!
