The Things We Do for Love

Since they've been getting along so well, this weekend when Charlie's friend, Gabbie the Bernese Mountain Dog, came to play, we put out some chews to spice up playtime.

Gabbie, who normally isn't very chew-oriented, immediately siezed a cigar-chew and ran around the yard, with Charlie close on her heels.

From time to time she would drop it, and then it would be Charlie's turn to take the chew and be chased.

But after awhile, things changed. Gabbie got tired and lay down for some serious chewing. Whenever Charlie approached her, she growled at him. And he, gentlemanly, backed off.

Gabbie's usual companion, Cody, rules the chews in her house. And, since Charlie has seemed so dominant when they play, we were all surprised to see him defer to her. Maybe Charlie isn't the absolute ruler we thought? Or maybe it's a case of puppy love...

Pooltime, anyone?

This week brought record heat to Portland. Although just the middle of May, it felt like the "dog days" of summer! So when Gabbie came to play, we broke out the pool.

Charlie and we tried to teach her how to use it. He splashed. And we splashed. And toys were thrown around and in.

But to no avail. Gabbie would watch and sometimes even approach the pool. But she was not at all interested in playing in it. After all, Gabbie surely reasoned, "I'm a Bernese Mountain Dog, not a Bernese Water Dog"!

So back to standard play they went. Running, jumping, chasing, rolling, nipping... And did I mention the baring of teeth? There was much display of showy teeth!

So, again, a good time was had by all!

"What part of stay in the shade, don't they understand"?