My New Sidekick

I have gone downright goofy over my new roommate and companion, Sunshine.

 

I knew from the first day that she spent the night with me that my home was her home.  She knew it, too, although she was a bit nervous and unsure of what was happening to her at first.

Sunshine has been with me a month, and I can’t imagine my life without her.  She is a mess!  Stubborn and headstrong, she certainly doesn’t have the temperament of a German Shepherd.  She isn't my Diamond, and she reminds me every day that while she can’t take the place of Diamond in my heart, she can wiggle and wag her way into a vacant spot that had been unoccupied until she came my way. 

I am learning many new things from Sunshine.  I now notice every squirrel, bird, leaf, and stick that happens upon our path when we are out for a walk.  My ears perk up as Sunshine goes into alert mode over a strange sound or unexpected movement along our path.  I am soaking in her enthusiasm of the world around her, and her exuberance over walking through a park makes me smile and feel better about my life.  We are becoming best pals.

Sunshine loves sitting in my lap.  While she is a little whirling dervish when she is on the playground at the kennel with other dogs, and jumps up and down greeting new dogs as they make their way down the aisle to their runs at the kennel, she is a couch potato when we are home alone.  She has learned to wait for me to invite her to get up onto my lap, but with my invitation, it only takes one flying leap for her to land squarely in my lap.  And once she is settled, it only takes a heartbeat before she is snoozing comfortably in my arms. 

When I first began training Sunshine, she rebelled at every opportunity.  However, with each day that we are together, her trust in me grows, and she now responds to my commands to sit, wait, heel, and stay (most of the time).  She still wants to meet every new friend by jumping up onto them, and it is difficult for her to learn not to do this.  She wants to make friends with every person and animal she meets.  But her eagerness to please sparkles in her big brown eyes, and I know she wants to make me proud of her.

Sunshine and I have big plans for spring and summer.  We want to go hiking together and check out parks and recreation areas to explore.  She is going to help get me back into shape, and I am going to keep her busy doing all the things a little Mountain Feist likes to do.   

Yep, we are pals!