I took this photo a couple of days ago from my chair at the lunch table. I was going to title the post “Two Labs and a Chihuahua,” but one look at Darla’s face suggested a new title was in order. Darla much prefers being alone at the table to get the occasional treat. She likes to move around all four corners of the table, popping up each time as if she’s a different dog and deserving of a new treat. She does not like to share, or have to “compete,” heaven forbid.
There were several stories in the media last week about a new study on jealousy in dogs, like this one in the New York Times. Researchers, please meet Darla. You can see how she’s “drooping” in that shot, compared to Wilbur’s “hey, I’m way down here and waiting!” expression and blind Stella’s earnest “I know it’s coming any second now” demeanor. Darla’s emotions were more along the lines of, “I can’t believe they’re in here with me. Sheesh.” Not a happy look I was getting.
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2014 Shelter Challenge Underway
The latest round of the Shelter Challenge for 2014 is underway. It began July 14 and ends September 21. You can vote every day at http://www.shelterchallenge.com/. To search for us, type in our name, Rolling Dog Farm, and Lancaster, NH 03584. We’ve won thousands of dollars in the previous contests, so your daily votes do bring in serious money for our disabled animals!
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Thanks for your votes!
What a great photo. I heard about that jealousy study but didn’t get a chance to read it – I will check out your link. Thanks for that. It’s good to see Wilbur. There haven’t been any photos of the little guy in a while. And Stella is such a sweetie and looks so happy. Darla has nothing to be jealous of, but she just doesn’t know it. She’s spoiled rotten. Who else gets their own human bed??!
Anyone who has another pet (or even a partner that their pet may be jealous of) KNOWS that pets can be jealous……no need to spend time and money on any “study”……LOL. It can be attention, food, preferential seating, best spot on the bed, etc. My two dogs have lived together for over ten years now and I still see jealousy rear its ugly head on a daily basis. Of course, they are both spoiled rotten so it is probably all my fault…….hahahaha.
What a wonderful picture! And a great story. I so wish a publisher would put together your stories and pictures and publish them with the proceeds going to the Farm.
Hopefully, there were treats for all! That jealousy thing is interesting…I also have that with my 3 cats, one of them blind, but the body language says it all. It just goes to show that not everything is seen or expressed through the eyes. One look at Darla says it all. Thanks for sharing.
Yes, I agree with Kathy – we need a published book put together! These three precious sweethearts are so adorable. At my house, my female sheltie was always jealous of one of my cats. And it was just that one cat! Who can figure these guys out?!!
Poor Darla! Yes, once again scientists have “discovered” something that dog owners have always known. We are fortunate when jealousy is limited to pouting.
OMgoodness—love this blog post—love each one of them!!!!
I have one dog who can be jealous at times. I’ve learned a routine at treat and regular feeding time to not have that jealousy rear its head. Don’t worry, Darla…neither Steve or Alayne will stiff you on your treats no matter who is hanging out with you 🙂