We have temporarily added a new member to our homestead family. Those of you who have commented, in the past, that our homestead seems like a fitting place for a good dog will be pleased to learn that we have one—now and then, anyway.
We’re keeping our friends’ young dog, Lettie, this week.
Lettie (Photo: Mark A. Zeiger).
Our friends travel often in the off season, and need a safe place to house Lettie. If all goes well, we’ll offer that, and get a little canine company in return.
We’re hoping that sometime this week our cat, Spice, will find the courage to grow comfortable around this dog. She’s very skittish, and unfortunately squirrel colored, which has caused problems in the past with other visiting dogs (see Puppy Camp) but we’re hopeful. Lettie’s a lot younger, and rather shy. She hasn’t necessarily adopted the habit of cat chasing. I feel she and Spice could easily call a truce, if not develop a friendship. Given enough time, we hope they’ll grow comfortable together. Lettie’s gentle enough, certainly. It’ll be up to Spice to relax enough to give the relationship a chance to develop.
In the meantime, we’ve got the company of a good dog. She’s very loving, quiet, and well behaved. I only wish I had the strength and dedication to throw a tennis ball as often as she’d like me to. I hope to do better!