Ms. Barky and Mr. Grumpy

Ms. Sophie barks at every new thing she encounters.  This includes the leash, the pony tail palm, the coat hanging on the door knob, the bed buddy that I heat up to put on my shoulders, the thermostat on the wall, the bottle of pet stain cleaner and odor remover, the bathroom.  I'm not complaining, this beats the little girl who used to hunker in the back of her crate.

Mr. Hanky has become the Walter Matthau of pointers and his life is a chapter out of Grumpy Old Men.  He does not like sharing me with Sophie.  So sad too bad Mr. Hanky.  You too are a foster Mr. Hanky, although as a permanent foster your status is a wee bit different than most. 

Mr. Mick takes it all in stride.  Grumpy fosters, spooky fosters, silly girls and goofy boys.  He's seen it all. He removes himself from the madness and sleeps on my pillow.  He is unconcerned about the accidental puddles and piles left by a new foster learning about living indoors. 

Today Ms. Sophie actually wagged her tail at my voice.  Sweet, love progress like this.  Of course it is balanced by skittish behavior outside.  One would think she'd never been outside before.  She races for the house like her tail is on fire. Leans on the front door like she can push herself physically through it. 

I guess sometimes we are all Mr. Grumpy, Ms. Barky, and a bit on the skittish side.  We have moments we'd like to blend into the shadows, or bust out of the crate.  At times our confidence blossoms, and at times it wanes like the moon.  We have moments of fear, and moments of faith. 

One can only hope there is always a gentle voice urging us on.  Good boy, good girl.....good life.