Gushing over my dogs. Nothing unusual, I just love them so much. Riff and I have come so far. When I got him we had so many problems and he SO wasn't the dog I wanted. Then he had his torsion and although we had finally started bonding a little before that, it really cemented the fact that I was getting attached to him. After he had the surgery & recovered, I learned to appreciate him for the dog he is, not the dog I wanted him to be - it's cliche but SO true! He is not my incredibly smart, focused, eager worker. I still want that in my next dog... but that's not Riff. What he IS is an incredibly lovable, SILLY, happy (happy happy HAPPY) dork who is not very bright but always gives me 110%. As he matures a little more, he's gaining more focus which is making him easier to train. He doesn't learn things super fast, but his willingness to please makes up for that, and honestly Rowan learns SO fast that I think it gave me unrealistic expectations.
He's still afraid of strangers, especially men. He's still kind of anxious and nervous if he thinks there's the slightest chance he's in trouble (raised voices not directed at him, things like that.) He's soft, a lot softer than I'm used to.
But the dog is joyous. Everything is his favorite thing. Treats are his favorite. Toys are his favorite. Snow is his favorite. Running is his favorite. Cuddling is his favorite. Rowan is his favorite, even though he's usually grumpy toward Riff. My mom and my brother are his favorite. Being outside is his favorite. Being inside is his favorite. Everything is just the best.
Sometimes he still looks at me like he's not sure, like he's worried. It breaks my heart but I think that's just him. He's insecure. I've learned not to take it personally because 99% of the time he looks at me like I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread (which, by the way, really IS his favorite.) He's also gained a LOT of confidence in the year that I've had him so it's still a work in progress. I've learned to temper myself and keep a calm head with him, because my reaction to frustration is to be verbally upset. Rowan couldn't care less if I'm wandering around grumbling and swearing. Riff gets very worried so I've made a huge effort to not put him in that situation.
What he lacks in brains, he more than makes up for in heart. I am just so glad I stuck it out with him because he's such a wonderful little dude and our relationship has become great
I've learned so much from him and I just adore him.
As for Rowan, well, Rowan is perfect. End of story.
Except for the diarrhea all over my house yesterday... but that's not his fault and comes with owning pets sometimes. And hey, I needed to steam clean anyway!
So lucky to have my boys.