An Old Dog Falls for an Old Trick

This past weekend Penny had her first opportunity to play host. While my brother James was off running a crazy race for charity, Dutch spent the weekend as our guest. Dutch is a sweet, sweet velcro pup. He’s attached to my brother’s hip and generally has no interest in other dogs. While Penny storms the beaches looking for trouble and friends, Dutch is perfectly content ignoring every other person/dog so he can focus on fetch. Dutch’s solo act played out as expected for the first half of the weekend.

Penny wanted Dutch to play on the patio but he was content to turn his back and munch on a stick

The gang would gather round when I rang the dinner bell, but aside from meals, Dutch mostly kept his distance from the youngins 

But eventually Dutch became more comfortable around Penny. I think having Eko as a barrier helped with Dutch’s confidence here

After a particularly frantic mealtime frenzy I asked Emily what she thought about having three dogs. I believe this face says it all.

Two is just about all Emily’s lap can handle! But check out who joined the couch club

(Obligatory photo of Emily smiling, otherwise I’m in big trouble for just posting the funny-faced one.)

It took a couple of days, but the old lone wolf settled in nicely with his family pack. When Dutch first met Penny he wanted less than nothing to do with his annoying little cousin. But it seems this old dog fell for the oldest trick in the book: puppy dogs eyes!

“Hey, Dutch, can I pretty please sleep on you!?”

It appears not even dogs are immune to the charm of puppy eyes

Dutch soon returns to life as an only pup, and I’m sure he’ll appreciate the quiet. Until then, I think the old curmudgeon is not-so-secretly enjoying his new friendship with Penny.