This last week, Darwin's friend Muppet came to visit. I was really excited to see what having two dogs was like, and I knew Darwin would love the non-stop play!
Having two dogs, is very different from having one. It actually took me off guard, how much of my daily routine it affected. On the up side, it's fun to see two different personalities. Also, Darwin got MUCH more exercise when he had a pup to play with all day. They mainly entertained themselves, etc. On the downside, twice the poop-scooping... he he. :-) In all seriousness, it was an adjustment to learn how to walk two dogs at a time (very tricky leash work indeed), separate them for meals, and give both equal attention.
I think with all the excitement of the new pup, Darwin was slightly ignored. I don't know if he noticed, though. He was just as excited as we were. When Muppet decided to take a break from play to chew his antler, Darwin would sit right next to him and just stare at him. It was kind of creepy, and kind of cute at the same time. It was like Muppet was his big brother and he just wanted to watch and copy everything he did. He was obsessed with getting Muppet to play with him. We had to make Darwin come sit by us to give poor Muppet a break from all the unwavering attention Darwin bestowed on him.
It was very interesting to see how different two dogs can be. Muppet is clever, smart, and spunky. Darwin is goofy, placid, and endearing. I never really knew how slow-reacting Darwin is until I spent time doing training with Muppet. I would give the sit command, and Muppet would be sitting and watching intently all before Darwin even started to lower his rear end. We tucked the remote under a couch pillow, which is sufficient to keep Darwin from touching it. Not Muppet, he wasn't fooled for a minute! He would wait till we turned away, and then streak off with it before we even knew he had found it! Muppet could hear a person passing our door 10 seconds before we heard them, and alerted us. Darwin? Asleep through the whole thing. Muppet was incredibly fast and could burrow into small spaces. While he and Darwin were playing, the speed really gave him the advantage. Slow Darwin would eventually just lay down in exhausted confusion, he was just too fast for him!
It made me appreciate Darwin's little qualities and quirks, because they suit us so well. It has also made me excited to experience different characteristics in another pup, when we do get one.
Overall, it was a fun experience for both DH and I, Darwin, and hopefully Muppet.. It's given me a renewed determination to work on Darwin's reaction time and obedience skills. I think another thing I realized, is that we really do need a yard, or at least a bigger house before we make an addition. Two pups playing roughly in a 650 square foot apartment just doesn't work that well. They need room to romp!
A few of my favorite shots from the week:
On first glance, their coats seem very similar. Upon closer inspection, you see how completely different they are.
And a fun shot:
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