Holy schnikes, I think I played with Darcy!

Last night, after I got home from work, the dogs chased each other like usual and forgot I existed. They must have taken a break, because Penny showed up as I was busting out some PJs. I sank to the carpet, nuzzled her and kissed her head.

Of course, Darcy’s never far behind, and I was still crouched in the hallway when she wandered over. I reached toward her – too quickly because she backed up, my skittish girl!

But then … she did her front-paws dance, the one she does when she’s ready to play with Penny! I touched her paws and she lunged toward me and hopped around. I kept my voice friendly. I stood up, shuffled toward her and she ran. I turned and ran down the hallway, and she followed! I chased her again and she chased me (all the while I worried she’d nip my butt).

And then … she barked at me! Six times. Her tail was wagging, but man, I don’t know. I’m hoping I didn’t just demolish two weeks of building her trust.

I stopped playing. Who knew a dog could hurt my feelings?

Darcy’s foster mom says her husband played chase with Darcy ... after just three weeks together. Being that Darcy still barks at Chris when he enters a room, I really can’t imagine that. Luckily, Penny worships Chris as a playmate, so hopefully Darcy will learn from big sis.

After a couple of weeks spent establishing routines of meals, walks and bathroom breaks – trying to give this foreign dog some stability – it was nice to just see her be silly. If only for a couple of minutes.