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December 8, 2014

She makes him feel young again

One of my hopes when I brought Penny home was she would provide Eko with a lifelong partner-in-crime. I couldn’t be happier with how the two have bonded, in ways both hoped for and unexpected. One of those unexpected benefits is the reemergence of puppy-like behavior in Eko.
One of my hopes when I brought Penny home was she would provide Eko with a lifelong partner-in-crime. I couldn’t be happier with how the two have bonded, in ways both hoped for and unexpected. One of those unexpected benefits is the reemergence of puppy-like behavior in Eko.rhodesian ridgeback, beach, chicago, puppy

When he was a solo dog, Eko spent time at the beach either galloping gracefully or looking into the distance stoically. But Penny uniquely teases Eko into puppy play

rhodesian ridgeback, beach, chicago, puppy

With Penny around, Eko bounces and bounds just like he did as a pup

rhodesian ridgeback, beach, chicago, puppy

Like an older brother at the park with his little sister, Eko plays at Penny’s level

rhodesian ridgeback, beach, chicago, puppy

Romping like a pup half his age!

Penny also peels back Eko’s years at home. A couple months ago, Eko actually jumped at the front door to go out like Penny did. I hadn’t seen him do that in years! Even he gave me a startled look as if he couldn’t believe he just did that.

While he was a cuddly pup, adult Eko used to groan in exasperation if anyone bugged him or moved him while he was trying to sleep. For the first couple weeks he did the same with Penny but he could only resist the puppy magic for so long. Now I’m hard pressed to think of the time where the two don’t curl up on top of one another.

rhodesian ridgeback, beach, chicago, puppy

“Will, don’t put this on the blog, it will ruin my tough-guy image.”

rhodesian ridgeback, beach, chicago, puppy

My two puppies

One of the greatest gifts my dogs give me is a daily reminder to play and love with the unencumbered joy of a child. I’m happy to know Penny also gives that same gift to Eko.

Comments for She makes him feel young again

  1. If your dogs could read, this post would be like an early christmas gift. I always think YES! when I read your posts. To bring Penny home was the best idea :o)

  2. Victoria says:

    Muffin keeps Rigs young too – she is now 3 years old but still plays like she is 6 months old – best of both worlds – 2 best buddies who keep each other warm and active

  3. PigLove says:

    I <3 these pictures and playfulness. I have to admit that having Houdini around, he has brought out the kid in all of us here at the Hotel Thompson as well. They grow up so fast! XOXO – Bacon

  4. meANXIETYme says:

    We get to see Le Moo play like a puppy (which we never saw since we got Le Moo at 3yo) with Butthead. But only in the cold months. 🙂 In the warmer months, Le Moo is a lazy bum and only wants to lay around. But hey, in the east coast humidity, who can blame her?!
    So yes, I think as long as the dogs learn to read each others moods, it’s fantastic to have a younger dog to bring a spring back into the older dog’s step!
    Also, as usual, LOVE those pictures!

  5. fredrieka says:

    It worked for Old Cissy that is why momwithoutpaws adopted me, keep those old girls going. Momwithoutpaws wonders getting a younger man would keep her going but I am sure dadwithoutpaws would not like that

  6. Emmadog says:

    They say a male and female is the better combination. Bailie brings out the puppy in Katie and I too. Bailie and I also have some real knock down drag out fights too, though. Three is a tough number, but most of the time we have lots of fun.

  7. Kyla says:

    Why ever would that ruin the “tough guy image”? Think Bond, James Bond or John Wayne.

  8. The same thing happened when we got Dottie when Boomer was two years old. He became a puppy again!

  9. dashlilly says:

    so fabulous. Forever young!!

  10. coastingnz says:

    It is wonderful to see your kids and the joys they share and bring each other. Nico did the same for our Jeddyboy and now Ziggy does the same for Nico. They are best friends as are Eko and Penny. We all need a best friend. Some priceless photos in this posting Will.

  11. Marcela says:

    You got very lucky. My first 2 dogs did not work out as well as yours. The male wanted to eat Alex alive and that never changed. Because of that, I do tell pet parents to take their time picking a new dog for their family.

  12. T&S says:

    For RRs is the best to live with onother one… they have a specific way of play, it seems a bit of rough sometimes, so its good that they have an equal companion. Our female keeps our male active… he is easygoing… it is always important to have a right women by your side 🙂 and she adores him.
    Love your blog, its funny to watch paralel universe on other continent 🙂

  13. I’m so glad they hang out and play together. Norman and Nellie never bonded like that. But pups will play with Nellie thou.

  14. Raud Kennedy says:

    What is their age difference?

  15. You’re lucky they bonded so well – probably because Penny is such a heart-stealer.

  16. raisingdaisy says:

    What a great post. It’s all so true. I’ve seen elderly people forget about their aches and pains and act more youthful when a young child enters their world. I think Penny is one of the best things to happen to Eko – and you too! 🙂

  17. I see that in Mazie too with the Puffs, they seem to keep her young and engaged. I am so glad that Eko and Penny share such joy together 🙂

  18. Sweet children 🙂 Eko and Kahlua are the same age 🙂 Now is my time to bring us a Penny!

  19. dad2paisley says:

    Sometimes they just need a buddy.

  20. KarenS says:

    I have 2 older Ridgebacks, 8 & 10, and when they play “RR style” watch out! The smiles on their faces as they race past me brings me so much joy! They are both slowing down, just like us and playtime like that is now brief. No less enjoyable though!

    Enjoy their antics. As I do.

  21. Lovely post Will……no doubt those two will keep each other going for years to come with the same joy and enthusiasm you have as their “Dad”…………I know that even though Sam is now almost 15, and I’m definitely not a “spring chicken” myself – just looking at Sammy play makes me feel young again………..it’s a special kind of joy!

    Hugs, Pam

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