Monster

One thing about having Monster is that now I realize how well trained Zeus is. Zeus spends every waking moment worrying about us. He pays attention to everything we do, he follows us and is aware of when I slip on my flip flops (that means I might be leaving) or when I put things in my purse (also leaving) and his ears are tuned to the slightest jingle of keys (ACK! LEAVING!) If we are leaving, his first and foremost goal is to be taken with us. He is terrified that this might not happen. And he is beside himself with excitement when we arrive back home.

Monster is completely unaware of any of the above. It catches him completely off guard when he is scooped up and locked into the bathroom with Zeus.

Zeus is worried if anyone raises their voice, and he runs and hides under the furniture. Monster doesn't care. Zeus takes his watch dog duties very seriously and barks at me when I come home. Monster runs and hides. (???) Zeus goes to bed every night in the same place and stays there until Jeremy gets up and lets him outside. Monster wakes up some time in the middle of the night to pee by my door so that I can't leave the room without stepping in it. Zeus comes when called. Monster might, if he's in the mood. Zeus stresses out a lot. Monster is happy and friendly and mostly occupies himself with chewing on things or people or Zeus.

Part of me has always wondered if I am somehow responsible for what a neurotic stress case Zeus is. That somehow the type of dog owner that I am, the way that I treat dogs, has created his various mental health issues. Time will tell, I suppose, if I turn Monster into a raving psychopath, but so far he seems more relaxed and happy than I ever remember Zeus being.