Thursday, August 4, 2011

Maisy and the Scamp

Maisy has never been what you'd call a “dog park dog.” Back when we still went to the dog park, she was more interested in getting people to throw her ball than in socializing with other dogs, and she definitely didn't play with them. Even with dogs she knows well, it's rare for her to want to play with them.

So, imagine my surprise when she not only solicited play, but she also engaged in play with a dog she'd only met a few hours prior (the action starts around fifty seconds in):



Her playmate is Scamp, a friend's foster dog who was being “cat tested” at my house. Scamp is a really cool dog- he's funny, likes to play, and quite smart. He's also snack-pack sized and has great structure (or so I'm told- I'm rubbish at figuring that out), so he'd make a great height dog in flyball. I really, really liked him, but unfortunately, I didn't feel a “spark” with him (plus I honestly can't afford another pet right now anyway). But if you're in Minnesota and are in the market, you should totally check him out here. His Petfinder is here, and he's with the Southern Star Min Pin Rescue.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I don't know, Crystal, he's awfully darn cute. And Maisy seems to really like him! Sometimes that "spark" comes later, you know... :) Truthfully, I've found the addition of Simon (who is normal and stable and not reactive) to be a really good influence on Shanoa. I think he's helped her quite a bit. You can always find a way to make it work :)

Nicky

Crystal (Thompson) Barrera said...

Yeah, and I could totally grow to love him. Unfortunately, there is no way I can afford another dog. I'm up to my ears in vet bills as it is!

Ninso said...

FWIW, I actually disliked Lok for the first several months I had him. For whatever reason, I have a hard time understanding him, and I have a hard time liking what I don't understand. But over time I've come to accept him as an individual. And now I love him fiercely. And Jun I actually hated from time to time. Somehow she crept into my heart without me even realizing it--one day I just knew I could never give her up. And Elo--love at first sight, though it took me a year to quit trying to fool myself. Anyway, all that to say, some dogs are just meant to be yours, regardless of how you initially feel about each other. But kudos for doing the responsible thing--I had totally planned to do that too <>!!

Shane Kent Louis said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Crystal (Thompson) Barrera said...

Yes, I could definitely love this dog, Ninso- just as you grew to love yours. :) BUT, I already have trouble keeping up with emergency or urgent vet bills. I try very hard not to make decisions based on money, and I'm afraid adding one more to the mix would make that a reality. :(

Ninso said...

There was supposed to be a after that last sentence. I am serious, considering the money is a really good thing. Theoretically, all my dogs could get seriously ill at once and I'd be in deep s***. Even now after one serious emergency I am wiped out and it will probably be a few years before I can afford that again. So I totally get where you're coming from. I didn't want three dogs in three years, I didn't try to make it happen. It just did. I also strongly believe that everyone should have pet health insurance if they can find a plan that works for them. All 3 of mine are insured now and it gives me some peace of mind and makes it less likely that i will have to make decisions based on money.

Anonymous said...

Just wondering as I do not have dog language perfected. But was Maisy trying to protect her cat, and the play was incidental or did she really decide to play.

Crystal (Thompson) Barrera said...

That's a very, very good question, and I'm honestly not sure. Here's what I do know:

Upon first meeting Scamp, she solicited play, but he didn't respond. They then spent several hours just hanging out.

She does resource guard food from other dogs, though not from people. She will guard me when she thinks I have food. It is possible she thinks of the cat as hers/valuable, OR it is possible she was being the fun police. I personally think the latter is more likely since I've only seen guarding around food.

So... I'm not sure why the play started. However, this is consistent with her play style when she's playing with the cat (is it weird she plays more with cats than other dogs?).

I also think the play was overwhelming for her-she tries to stop it with a shake off, plays more (again, I'm not sure why), then yelps to stop it.

Still, I think she handled the afternoon well, and it is fun to see her .play since it's so rare.

Sophie said...

That was too cute. I'd totally snatch him up if I wasn't in the UK, and with my own crazy dogs already!

I bet Maisy wishes you could keep him. She doesn't seem entirely in love yet, but she obviously likes him enough to play.

Elizabeth said...

What a polite player Maisy is, she takes many breaks to keep them both calm and is very clear about when she's ended play. Scramp is a adorable.