My Girl Gus-Gus

Of my two dogs, Arlo is the one with the outlandish behavior that I generally write about. This is not to say that Augusta doesn't have her quirks, though. The thing is, Augie is actually way more mellow than Arlo. Sure, she barks when people walk by with their dogs, and she's definitely not a fan of the mailperson, but she's pretty chill when I'm the only one at home.

Except for when it comes to the cats.

Now and again, I am asked about how Augusta is doing with the cats. The answer is, "She's doing better." I mean it, too! When I adopted Harvey over the summer, I can remember driving home with him and saying aloud, "You know, it's possible Augie will really like you. I think we need to go into this with an optimistic attitude."

At least a month ago, Augusta jumped up and nipped my arm while I was holding Harvey. It hurt. She is not a low-key dog when something piques her interest. Today, one of my favorite students (who is now coincidentally one of my favorite coworkers!) stopped by unexpectedly. I was so happy to see him... but Augie was not. I put her outside because I am always so fearful that she'll bite. She's done it before; I'm not looking for it to happen again.

The thing is, she is making strides. If I enter the house with a friend, she's generally fine with him/her. It's when I'm already in the house and a newcomer enters that the territorial behavior makes an appearance.

As for the cats... She now nibbles Harvey. As long as he holds still, he's safe. I may never trust her to be with him while unattended, but it is very clear to me that she adores him. Too much, in fact; I think Harvey would appreciate not being nibbled. But because Harvey is a perfect precious wonderlove, he tolerates Augusta and allows her to nibble his belly and tail. If it gets to be too much for him, he'll hiss very quietly and scamper away (with Augusta on his heels). But I no longer worry about her accidentally harming him. I'm watchful and very protective of my feline friends, but I know Augusta loves them almost as much as I do. The problem is that she doesn't understand how to appropriately show it. I'm hopeful that by the time she's six or seven, she will have mellowed a bit.

She will be three in November. We have a ways to go. But she's cute and I love her immensely and Arlo would be miserable without her. (As would I.) Therefore, the cats tolerate her terrible terrier behavior and I am very careful when visitors come to the house.