It was only fitting to celebrate New Year’s Eve in the new house, the Harvey house. DeeAnn & I invited friends over, some their first showing of the house. Seven of us got together for early evening appetizers, followed by pizza and ending with birthday cake. It was a trifecta celebration – New’s Year, Home Showing and a Birthday. Anytime company is coming, my stress level lifts a bit wondering how Holly is going to behave. Will anyone get knocked down? Will a shoe get destroyed? Will someone gag when a juicy slimy toy gets dropped in their lap? The good news is that the new year started out well! All the dogs, even Holly, were civil and settled in relatively quick. Each dog found a spot on the floor to rest yet monitor what was happening with the group of women sitting around the table, chatting, munching and enjoying some good craft beer and quality wine. Their good behavior brought accolades from some of the guests, and that brought a beaming smile to my face. Maybe being three combined with a new year is making a difference!?!
That thought lasted a half day. When I returned to the 5th St house, I saw the South Dakota family next door was packing up the car. Their vacation was coming to a close, soon to be homebound. I quickly rounded up a care package of goodies for Brook and Kendra. It’s a two day road trip for them which they appropriately describe as being ‘really long’. Kendra came to the fence line for a Minnesota good-bye. And Holly went ballistic. Initially Holly was enjoying Kendra throwing the ball and/or frisbee for her. That then ended for Holly. She had no interest in the games, she wanted to be by Kendra. She tried to reach her under the fence, then over the fence. Repeatedly whining and wiggling, eyes glued on Kendra. I was able to hold her up to the fence and calm her down, allowing Kendra to pet her head and rub her ears. The loving gaze Holly shows for Kendra melts my heart. I swear I could have my face smeared in peanut butter and would not get that kind of look! Yesterday Kendra stopped by the house, she had made a Christmas decoration for me. She came in the house, brave girl, as I held on to a bucking bronco named Holly. I was able to get Holly under control by straddling her, squeezing my knees into her ribs and having a tight grip on the collar. Kendra went into teacher mode, giving Holly, Keltie and Helen a sequence of commands – Sit, Shake, Down – over and over. It didn’t take long and Holly & Keltie were performing the cycle in synchronized fashion. Holly’s energy started to subside, turning instead into controlled respect and a gaze of admiration locked in on the young wizard.
I can’t help but wonder what Holly would be like if she lived in a house with children. Would constant contact and sharing an environment with a child, create a sense of security and create a calm, controlled dog when with kids? For Holly to enjoy what she loves the most – being with kids, she will have to learn restraint and gain better control of herself. For me to give Holly the opportunity to fulfill her passion, her purpose and be her best self, I will have to figure out how to make that happen.
It didn’t take long for the new year to unveil a new year’s resolution. And with Kendra on her way to South Dakota, I am frequently reminded of it every time I see Holly standing at the fenceline, ball in mouth and staring longingly into Donna, Diane & John’s back porch door, wishing and willing Kendra to come out and play again.
School Is In Session
Bath Day
Talking Waters Support
A Gal and Her Ball
Facing Your Fears
