Back on Track

It's been tougher than I thought it would be, getting used to not having my Gracie around.

Even today, while we were all walking and playing in the water (I wasn't playing in the water) I could still see Gracie as she trolled along the edge of the pond. Never afraid of anything that crossed her path. Always in charge of the other dogs.

Gracie knew that she was the alpha dog. The other dogs knew it too. Our male golden, Charlie, would cry as he sat on one side of the floor but couldn't get to us because Gracie was lying between him and us, and Charlie was afraid to sneak past her. She was the boss.

If the dogs were drinking, they would all move away from the water dish if Gracie decided she needed a drink. She had first dibs at the dog food too. All the dogs worked around her schedule.

Since she has been gone, I have waited to see which one of the dogs would step up into the alpha position. Even after all these months, it hasn't happened. Each one has its moments of authority, but none have taken over the role of leader.

Funny how that happens. Dogs know each other. Dogs just know.