I need a carer - maybe I found one

[Hillscreek]

Angus is four and a half. I am well past senior citizen and into OLD AGE as you will know who read terriers blog. Has Angus realized this? He has started to watch over me especially on our walks. It used to be I waited and watched for wherever he might be as a youngster exploring new places. Now it is the other way round. When we are out walking every now and then I have to stop and rest - I get tired pretty easily. When I do he pops out of the brush or turns back when he's trotting ahead. He looks me and waits till I start off again before resuming his activities. He never used to bother. Sometimes he even runs back to me though I haven't called him. Of course he IS a cairn and I DID used to give him a treat when I was teaching the recall so maybe I'm just being fanciful.............

[Sam I Am]

No doubt he is keeping an eye on you. Animals are far more in tune  into their natural surroundings than we give them credit for. Angus knows you aren't a spring chicken anymore. Plus you stopping or slowing down on your walks alerts him that he needs to protect his human. 

[bradl]

So sweet. It is beyond special when they turn into a bona fide friend and companion.  Angus has grown into a fine companion indeed. Well done, and enjoy those walks at whatever speed.

[hheldorfer]

Angus is a wonderful boy.  He has now matured to the point where he feels a sense of responsibility toward you, and that's quite touching.  You have been a great mom and mentor to him.  Enjoy the new-found attention you are getting.  The two of you are now partners in life.

[sanford]

It's so interesting that  you mention this... Only recently have I noticed similar behavior with Ruffy. After I adopted him at 3 years old, for the next several years, I couldn't sit on a park bench and enjoy watching the river traffic with him... He never sat, but would stand and tug on the leash to get us moving. Inside the dog run, he paid attention to everything and everyone but me. I always seemed to be an afterthought to him. 

I don't know when it happened, but not too long ago, this changed. At 8 years old, he's  now content to sit when I do; sometimes he even hops up on the bench to sit alongside me. At the dog run, he monitors where I am. If I change my seat to move out of the sun, he will stop and scan the benches until I call him or he sees me...and trots right over!

Comparing Angus, (at 4 1/2) and Ruffy at (8), I would say their change in behavior is due to bonding, (a 2-way street!) as well as maturity - so of course Angus cares - he's grown up!?

[Lynn in TN]

It is awesome isn't it? I love it. Angus has grew up.

[Autumn & Lola]

Aww, that is sweet. "You okay, Mom?  Okay - just checking."   Such a mature little man now.

 

[Pepper Bug's Mom]

Pepper who will be 5 in May has turned the corner!  She no longer BOLTS out t he front gate...she gives me time to stop her first.  At the dog park she will run ahead, but is always checking to see if we are behind her on the path or even walks/trots along next to us!!! She now snuggles on the couch at night with us and even has starting lying on our laps!!! Ooooh I love her so much!!!!  

 

[Malcolm's Dad]

Angus is turning into such a good little boy. He is a wonderful buddy who wants to make sure you are ok. Bless you Angus.

[Hillscreek]

It's so interesting to read these comments. I think I'm so surprised because Angus is a member of a breed bred to be independent and work on its own. So different from the retrievers we had, bred to work with, and for, a human. Or a guardian breed like my DIL's Newf who watched over their children when they were small- never being far from their sides, especially when they played in the ocean. 

 

 

 

 

 

[bradl]

I think that's one reason we fall so hard for them. They are fully capable of independence and they demonstrate that regularly. But when they choose to show us special consideration it is meaningful. It feels earned and all the more precious for that.

Someone once described Cairns and terriers generally as the independent contractors of the dog world. They'll take on a job but only if they feel like it.

[Autumn & Lola]

2 hours ago, bradl said:

 They'll take on a job but only if they feel like it.

Brad, you just reminded me of Nick's frustration when we first got Lola. He had only had Greyhounds in the past. He kept calling her inside and she wouldn't budge. "What is wrong with her? Doesn't she know her name?!"  "Of course she does", I replied. "Then why won't she come when I call her?"  "She doesn't *want* to. DUH!"

 

[Dempsy's Mom]

Very sweet.  When I get ready to do our morning walks - I will let the dogs out ahead of me.  Elsie will go about exploring, but Dempsy waits for me - and if I run back in to get something he comes in and sees what's taking me so long.  Dempsy also stops during his walks and checks on where I am at .... it is touching.  Love cairns. Good boy Angus!!