Q:
What do you get when you mix a Wheaten Terrier puppy with a stately Lady Boxer?
A: A very interesting Pet Sit!
Dog sitting on the Northern Beaches and Sydney area brings many surprises. One is how you forget when you haven’t looked after a puppy for a long time just
how much energy they have. In theory
you exercise, feed and play with them – and then they sleep. Hmmm, only problem is, someone forgot to tell
the puppies that!
I
recently had a fun two weeks looking after Audrey a cuteness itself six month old Spaniel – but
boy did she keep me on my toes – no sleeping for Audrey and certainly not much
for me! Then Claire and Elly (her own 8 year old Boxer) together spent three
weeks looking after another energetic puppy -
Chico a 7 month old Wheaten Terrier.
Chico
is typical of pups of his age – masses of energy and a lot to learn! So it was
going to be interesting to see how stately lady Elly and the teenage Chico got
on.
Elly
in her younger years was very ill. Having recovered from a death’s door condition, these days she looks robust - but looks can be deceiving. She has a severely fused spine and arthritis and ideally should keep to easy walks. But as
soon as she met Chicho he wanted to play – and Elly couldn’t resist his cheeky
charms!
 |
| Chico & Elly - Chico uncharacteristically quiet! |
The
pair developed quite a bond and became real fur pals. In the house Chico jump would on Elly or lick her face, and she being very good natured didn't mind. But now and
then if she was tired she would make it clear play time was over – and
Chico knew to give her a rest!
On
walks Chico loved being chased and his favourite game was finding a stick and teasing
Elly to try and take it. Not something she managed very often as he literally
did run rings around her.
But Elly
taught Chico a few things, like drinking from a running tap. He used to watch her and then one day did it himself. She also taught him limitations and few
manners! In turn being around a high energy bundle helped Elly re connect with
her ‘inner puppy’. She became very playful and seemed to get younger.
