From the moment Jasper laid eyes on Onyx, he was smitten. He could not believe his good fortune. To have someone around who spoke dog was, was just too good to be true. He would come to me, then go back to her, then come to me, back to her. I felt like he was thanking me and expressing sheer joy. They took turns chasing each other, sleeping side by side, sleeping head to head, they chewed on opposite ends of toys. That camaraderie continues today. With a few exceptions.
Onyx wanted to be involved in anything and everything Jasper. That included his food. The first few times she helped herself to his dinner he was tolerant. After a few days he had reached his limit of patience and laid into her (big noise, scary teeth, no injuries). Scared the daylights out of her! She wouldn’t come into the kitchen for the rest of the day. That was the last time she ate food out of his bowl. Treats are another matter.
I won’t give the dogs rawhide. I’ve heard that it can cause a blockage in their intestines. There are so many other healthy choices available that rawhide can be easily avoided. The bully sticks are a favorite. I should say they were a favorite because they fought over that kind of treat so much that I took them away. Onyx wanted them all. And she wanted to hide them where no one else could find them. Like under another toy or a rug. Jasper is a pretty laid back kind of guy. He didn’t care if she left her treat and came over to his to gnaw for a while. When she started getting nasty with him about it, I intervened. They now get no-grain doggy biscuits (Nutro Ultra products) and occassionally cheese for treats. Although I think it’s on the expensive side, the chicken jerky is great. I’ve figured out that if they can eat it quickly, they don’t have time to fight over it. Being a two dog mommy is challenging.
I am so glad I got Onyx. Jasper is delirious. It doesn’t take much more time or money to have two dogs and the benefits greatly outweigh any adjustments that I have to make to take care of them both.
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