Mom's Corner

Happy Six Months, Maggie! Mom sent a great email today for Mom's Corner!

"well maggie lou has been initiated into the dog world with two dog confrontations last week. she survived and has renewed confidence around dogs ever since; it's something a puppy will have to experience eventually. at a dog park a 120 pound retriever/chow mix and two huskies roughed her up and held her down (bites didn't break the skin) until she finally squirmed away and jumped up with her teeth nashing at the 120 pounder...i thought she'd get her head bitten off right then and there before i could get to her. however, after that the dogs left her alone and the other owners praised her/petted her (along with me, of course) for her bravery. i took her back the next day to observe her for fear, anger or excitement, and she was excited and more confident. sunday, rosie (next door crazy barking dog), ran out from her garage and attacked maggie while we were walking on the sidewalk. she knocked maggie down and had her jaws on maggie's throat while growling. it was REALLY SCARY!! the owner and we were yelling at rosie but she didn't listen. dad kicked rosie in the chest which knocked her off maggie. the owner told him to kick her, so he did. all this time maggie is on a leash and rosie is loose. laurie (owner) felt terrible since maggie is only a puppy. it was a great opportunity to talk with laurie about her dog's incessant barking and nashing of teeth to maggie through the fence, etc., since laurie asked how rosie reacts to maggie and us. i mentioned a barking collar and a dog specialist, since rosie is a very smart dog. i was shaking from fear and laurie felt so badly, but we had a really good, honest conversation. she'll keep rosie inside during the week of brother's wedding to keep rosie quiet too. later that night laurie stopped by with wrapped dog treats for maggie and to show us the barking collar she just purchased. she was in tears worrying whether maggie was hurt. i hugged her and said things would be fine. she is now asking us to inform her how the barking collar is working; it's already making a difference. i love hearing rosie struggling to bark now!!! ok...enough of that..."