After a few weeks of jostling for position, the dogs seem to be fairly settled in now. Merlyn, being more Labrador Retriever than anything else, still loves to play fetch. Jasper has always enjoyed chasing after something that has been thrown but won't always pick it up, and if he does, it is not with the intention of returning it to the thrower. "That would be silly. If she wanted it, why'd she throw it."
So the way it works is; Merlyn brings a stuffed animal, or if you locate it and toss it, he'll bring the ball. I cringe at the slimy thing, take hold of it, and wait for him to stop gnawing and let it go, which he eventually does once he's clear on the fact I don't want to play tug-of-war. (If he pulls I let go). I toss whatever it is and he and Jasper both run for it. Merlyn checks to see what mood Jasper is in before picking it up if he's gotten there at the same time. If Jasper doesn't argue with him he picks it up and returns to me for an instant replay. If Jasper argues with him he'll let Jasper pick it up. Jasper might lie down in front of it, or he takes a few steps with it in his mouth and drops it, looking a little perplexed as to why everyone is watching him. Merlyn sneaks in when Jasper tires of standing over the item. If Jasper sees Merlyn grab it he barks and chases Merlyn. THAT makes Merlyn happier than returning to me with it. 'Nothing's more fun than keep away from Jasper. He's tried being the chaser rather than the chased but like I said, Jasper is never sure what the point of carrying the object is and doesn't get that he's supposed to run with it and try not to get caught...so he just drops it and they both stare at it awhile. What's nice is that I actually don't have to be too involved in this game after the first toss. Only when Jasper tires of chasing Merlyn does Merlyn return to me pleading for one more toss.
Simba? Where is she during all this you ask? A girl after my own heart, she's sun bathing on the ledge of the living room window, pleased to finally have it all to herself.
Merlyn playing "Keep Away" from Jasper
"Come on, you're supposed to chase me."
"Here. If I dangle it from my jowles, perhaps you'll be reminded that you want what I have."
"I'll just jog past you a few times."
Merlyn tired of Jasper not chasing him, brought it back to me, and when I tossed it Jasper got to it first. Doesn't he look pleased with himself?
"It's more fun guarding it then chasing it."
Now, I can't recall if I have mentioned within these blogs that Don and I have a small house in Running Springs, CA. We do. Running Springs is in the San Bernardino Mountains, between Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear. For all you folks who deal with snow in the Winter, I figured it might appease you that not ALL of Southern California gets off scott-free without having to shovel snow, at least once in awhile.
