Post #29: Buster Channels His Inner Dog

Buster Channels His Inner Dog

Buster’s smile is brighter now that his teeth are clean.

Buster’s been with me for almost a month now.  Much of my news on him isn’t remarkable in and of itself, but I hope anyone who’s been following this story will realize the wonderful milestones these events represent for Buster.  First, a little medical news:  Buster came through his recent dental cleaning and neuter with flying colors.  He was still groggy from the anesthesia when I picked him up, but did me proud by trudging right up the ramp into the car.  Good boy, Buster!  See Blog post #23 for the backstory on how big a deal this is. ;-)

  

Buster likes the cool dirt under the deck.

As he’s figured out the household routine and become increasingly comfortable, it’s a joy to see normal doggie behaviors start to emerge.  I first saw this when he started to recognize the sound of my car returning and would appear at the gate with the rest of the crew as I emerged from the garage, with his tail gently wagging.  Then into the house through the doggie door to join the swirl of happiness that the pack is reunited!  This joyful greeting when I return home is such a simple --- yet essential --- part of dog ownership for me.  Has Buster ever gotten to participate in this before?  Has a person been overjoyed to see him, too?  I don’t know, and it hurts my heart to wonder….but I DO know the greeting ritual will be part of his routine from this day forward.

The Big Man likes to wrestle with young Chess

Buster has also started to play!   I first encountered this as a bunch of thumping around behind me as I worked at the computer.  Turning around, I was amazed and amused to see him “wrestling” with young Chester: shoving each other around with their shoulders, spinning to deliver a hip check, grinning (!), having a big ol’ time skittering around on the hardwood floor.  Now, Chester is a big boy, too (90+ lbs), and has youth on his side, but he can’t yet take down the Big Man. ;-)  They looked for all the world like a kid and a favorite uncle roughhousing on a weekend afternoon.

Outside, Buster’s play efforts are a bit clumsy, and could easily be interpreted by another dog as inappropriate/aggressive.  But then how would you, as a mature adult, like to try to learn the rules of the playground?  You probably wouldn’t find it very easy, either.  Buster’s not at all interested in chasing a BALL, but he LOVES to chase another DOG chasing a ball. Of course, he’s not very fast, so watching this is much like watching a freight train gather speed and momentum.  Imagine 100+ pound Buster lumbering toward you with a determined look on his face.  Yikes!  Chester sees this and decides to just keep on moving. ;-)  Max ignored/evaded it for awhile, but then decided he wasn’t thrilled to have the big lug interfering in his game.  So he screwed up his courage and gave Buster a stern correction!  I held my breath, wondering what would happen next, and….Buster backed down, seeming to say “Oh.  Well, pardon ME!” So, the lesson was learned, and we now know that Buster will both “get it” and “take it” when another dog points out his misbehavior.

Nothin’ like a good bone to chew on.

 I bet I can make it through the doggie door with this…

Finally, Buster has also discovered the joy of a good bone.  We’ve been having quite a conversation about whether bones should be enjoyed inside or outside, and we both have strong opinions on the matter. ;-)  Although I prevail most of the time, his big maw can conceal a lot of things, so the bone does make it inside occasionally.  He looks indignant when I take it away to toss it outside, but is too well-mannered to object.

Just hangin’ on the deck

So that’s what Buster’s been up to.  Just happy living an unremarkable doggie life….