New Friends And A Shared Tennis Ball

A word or two about new friends.

The nice thing about friends is they don't have to meet a certain criteria to be so.  At Trollgaard Dog Day Care we strive to socialize dogs of like temperament, size and age so everybody gets along in a happy and stress free environment.  Last week I threw that conventional thinking right out the proverbial window.  Grizzly, a 100lb. Leonberger decided that Teddy, a 25 lb. Mini Australian Shepherd, would be his best buddy.  And to my surprise, Teddy accepted Grizzly's friendship offering.  The difference in size is amazing.  Teddy has to stand on his back legs to look Grizzly in the eye and that's only if Grizzly doesn't raise his head!  To witness the camaraderie they share is something special to behold.  Watching a 25 lb. dog chasing a 100 lb. dog only to witness the reverse scenario seconds later is always entertaining!  Grizzly is gentle with his friend but acts quite differently around other dogs more his size.  I was fascinated and a little apprehensive when they started "sharing" a tennis ball.  But not to worry.  They had the game figured out.   When I thought Grizzly had enough exercise and put him inside to relax, Teddy sulked!  As soon as they were together again Teddy had an instant attitude adjustment like turning on a happy switch.  I can't wait for the next time!

-Chuck