The Boy Feels At Home.

 His new life.

Maxi has adjusted. Maxi has conquered and Maxi has accomplished. It wasn't easy for him to lose his mother and in a way his sister, not to mention his old life. But adjusted he has.

I notice how he takes little meanders around the house, sniffing and smelling his new fiefdom. Remember that he can't see a lot so it must be a daring adventure to investigate his new home. He looks forward to his daily walks ( two long ones morning and afternoon, intermingled with three short pippi brakes ) and once back home dances around as if it were Christmas. Well, in a way it is as either breakfast or a nice treat awaits.

We take the same route every day so that he feels comfortable and can mark his territory. Oh, and also leave his special kind of love with the neighbours. He delights in meeting people and getting a cuddle or two and predictably, they love giving it.  He knows when we have to move along and does so with a happy nod and bark to say goodbye. Too precious.

Lately he has taken to letting off a series of barks once we go outside for our walk and it is almost as if he wants everyone to be aware that he, Maxi, is doing his rounds, inspecting his areal. Absolutely fabulous. Now and again he deigns too cuddle with the more than eager tomcat waiting for us at the door, and other times he lets him toddle along with only a small glance now and then. Keeping him eager!

When we encounter people we don't know on our walk ( rather seldom! ) he turns into a protective lion giving the performance of his life. Protecting me, showing his teeth and in a way marking his territory. Funny how a small dog can elicit such huge respect and caution. As for us, we love having him and his little brave character has added another layer of goodness to our lives...

Biggi