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| Sally |
Sally is a mix: she is part Chihuahua, part Shitzu, and part Austrailian Cattle Dog. She is also part Houdini, but more on that later.
When we first got Ellie, Sally was much taller than Ellie. Even then, though, as a puppy, Ellie asserted her dominance. Now, at almost five years old, Ellie is much taller than Sally.
Ellie and Sally are now best friends. We "dog-sit" Sally several days during the week while Marie works. Ellie and Sally eat together, play together, and then take naps.
In the beginning, I would try to take them on walks together, but that was when Sally's "Houdini" genes became evident.
The first time I took them out together for a walk in the neighborhood, I was looking around for "Jack, the Cat" (Another story for another day.), Sally decided to practice her greatest skill, which was slipping out of her harness. I started chasing her, and so did Ellie. Ellie, having those hunting genes, was immediately ready for the challenge.
Sally ran toward the house to our left, and just as I thought I was going to be able to get her, she slipped away into the yard next door. I chased her, and once again, I thought she was within my grasp, and she darted away. Finally, I gave up and let the expert take over.
"Ellie, get Sally!" I shouted.
Ellie seemed to instinctively know what to do. She ran to Sally's backside and corralled her between a chainlink fence and the corner of a house. She stayed between Sally and the street until I could get Sally's harness back on. Sally, thankfully, didn't try to escape anymore on that walk, and we went straight - and swiftly- home.
A few days later, however, we were walking on the other side of the neighborhood. Sally had just "done her business," and I was bending over to pick it up. When I looked back at Sally, there was no Sally to look at. I had not felt any pulling on the leash at all, but the leash and harness were lying on the ground. Sally was nonchalantly trotting across a neighbor's front yard.
This time, I didn't waste time trying to catch her myself.
"Ellie, get Sally!" This command was effective last time, and this time, Ellie immediately knew the game was on.
She followed Sally. Once Sally reached the wooden fence between the two houses, Ellie put her body against Sally's and held her there until I could buckle her up again. For that, Ellie got a big treat of chicken, and I decided never to try to walk them both at the same time again.
Sally is a very sweet dog. She loves to have her belly rubbed and chew on bone toys. And she loves Ellie. In the third book of our "Ellie & Percival" Series for children, Sally teaches Ellie about snow and has a great idea for praying for something that seems almost impossible.
Sally has great ears, especially for sounds emanating from the kitchen. In fact, if I am doing something in the kitchen, Sally is usually the first one to run to see if it means the dogs will get some food.
When it comes to eating, Sally and Ellie are totally different. Ellie wolfs down her food as if she has not eaten in years. Sally, however, demurely takes one piece of kibble at a time and quietly nibbles on it like a perfect little lady.
Sally has been a great blessing to our daughter, to us, and especially to Elllie.
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| Besties |
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