The ongoing saga of my dog problems had an encouraging development today. We are dog-sitting for some neighbors who are away, so their two dogs are in the run right outside our back door. I have to put out hot water for them twice a day, so that was the first task when DH and I went out to do chores this morning. I didn't pay too much attention to what was going on around the outside of the kennel, but when I stepped out I did a double take. There were THREE big dogs milling about. It took me a second to realize the third one was Ellie, the female who caused all the problems earlier. The significance dawned on me right away. She didn't take off!!! Now, admittedly, there were two strange dogs to keep her attention, but still...
She walked calmly at my side all the way to the barn yard and stood at the gate waiting to be let back in. She knew where she belonged and was happy to go back there. This was also very encouraging.
Oh, and the whole time, Fynn was bouncing around with everybody, but he was definitely nervous when Smiley and/or Ellie came near him. For the past week or so, things have been back to normal around here, as Smiley slowly regained my trust and I'd quit worrying about the two boys being together. I did watch Smiley and Ellie extremely closely while she was loose, but Smiley was totally fine with everything. Fynn took off playing with Harry and didn't try to interact with the other big dogs, which is exactly what I want.
So now I'm able to entertain the idea of keeping Ellie after her pups are born. I will still neuter Smiley, that is not up for debate, but I had thought I would have to get rid of Ellie if she wouldn't stay home when she got out of her pen. She'll probably still take off if she's in heat, though, so I might spay her after this litter is weaned. I'm going to give her some opportunities to show me if she will stay around when not in heat and if so, then I'll most likely spay her and keep her. I really do love her so I hope it all works out.
