Sassy and Alley got to meet a new puppy this week. Oscar, who will likely weigh in at 80 pounds when he's done growing, is an adorably awkward little Boxer mix. His people parents brought him over to my sister's apartment for a play date on New Year's Eve.
Alley was immediately friendly to this new face, as was Anne's dog Kapono. Sassy took a bit longer. As soon as Oscar's little face appeared in the front hall, Sassy started barking. A very mean, I-want-to-bite-you sort of barking.
My sweet Sassy, who won't utter a growl when kids pull her tail and ears, is the alpha female of her dog world. Any new dog introduced to her pack must not threaten her top- dog status.
Worried that Sassy might attack Oscar, who just wanted to play, Jeff and I held her back and used the furniture to keep the two dogs separated.
I tried explaining things to her. "Sassy, we don't bark and growl at our guests."
I imagine if Sassy could speak people language she would say, "Mom, this is not people world, this is dog world. That's exactly how we greet our guests. How else will establish our pack order?"
We eventually had to release Sassy, of course. She snapped at Oscar, which didn't seem to surprise him. She didn't bite, and Oscar must have communicated his lack of desire to be top dog because everyone (well, every dog) happily sniffed butts and shared toys for the rest of night.
I guess I learned a little about dog world this week.
