I gave Doll and Prion a rest from running. Doll is quite obese and Prion mildly curvy, so I think too much too quickly could tax their joints and soft tissues. Plus, it's wicked cold outside. Nine degrees with a serious windchill = 30 minute quick walk back to the warm wood stove. I let Prion off leash for more than five minutes for the first time and although she initially herded Doll, she did leave her alone for most of the walk. I'll have to see tomorrow on our run if she is just over-stimulated by a faster pace into OCD herding behavior, or if she'll quit after a while. I haven't given her the chance because I was worried they would tear an ACL or something on the ice herding/being herded (tiny border collie circles on ice is job security for an orthopedic vet).
Also, these two are starting to make poor Brio, our one-year-old border collie, look bad. They are just innately cool. First of all, they voluntarily curled up in our daughters' room tonight and are still there, protecting them from the "monsters" that have kept all of us awake lately. Secondly, no chewed toys, stuffed animals, or hairbrushes. The last few foster experiences I've had with middle-aged or senior dogs have taught me those that have a few years really can make amazing family companions. I know time and all of the work we've put into Brio will eventually even out some of his puppy-isms, but having some milder personalities in the room really is a treat. I feel thankful I'm spending time with these lovely gals, even if it is for a few short weeks.
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