Ramsey the Guard Dog

Don't worry, don't worry, we don't really encourage our dogs to be guard dogs - at least, not in the Hollywood-movie, killer-chihuahua-doberman-behind-the-junkyard-fence type guard dogs.

They do all bark at strange noises, and sometimes not-so-strange noises (really, Pablo - EVERY time I close the bathroom door?). The difference between them all, though? Suvi barks because she wants whomever is outside to come in so she can lick them to death. Pablo barks 'cause he's sure whomever is outside wants to steal his breakfast or his babies, and Ramsey barks because
she's worried about her family.

Ever the momma dog, Ramsey is - even though she's never been a real momma. She worries about Pablo, when someone (Suvi) zooms too close to him. She worries about him when she jumps on the bed or on the couch - she LITERALLY will not jump up until she's sniffed around to ensure he's not under the nearest pile of blankets to her target. And bonus - she's taught Suvi to do the same. Crazy, energetic, can't wait to jump on top of everything, Suvi - now checks for Pablo before she jumps.

Ramsey worries about Dad. If Suvi licks him too much, she gets a little upset. Or when Suvi jumps at him - they have a game where she jumps in his arms, and he throws her, she lands on her feet, and comes back for more - Ramsey gets a little protective.

Ramsey worries about Suvi. Really. It's still unbelievable to me - these two are really like sisters... She worries that her ears aren't clean enough, and forces Suvi's head down on the couch so she can clean her ears - still one of the funniest things I've ever seen. She worries when Chad holds Suvi upside down (I swear Suvi loves it), and she isn't within licking distance.

Most amazing to me though, is that she worries about me. I don't mean she "worries" like she's a nervous nelly all the time (well, sometimes..). I mean worries, as in protects....often without us even realizing it's what she's doing.

For example, the other night, there was some commotion going on outside - the neighbors remodeling and loading up a dumpster or something. The windows and patio door were open, and Ramsey could hear it, but not see. She barked a few times, paced, and then firmly planted herself in front of me on the couch, where I was laying. She effectively pinned me to the couch in spooning position, and was not about to let me go anywhere. I looked at Chad like "what the hell is she doing?!" and he explained that she was protecting me. Sure enough, the racket stopped, and I was allowed up.

She apparently feels like I need more protection than Chad, which I'm sure makes him feel better about the times he leaves us home alone! I'll admit, it feels pretty good to have someone lookin' out for you when you maybe aren't even aware it's necessary...I think she gets it from her Dad.