I don't think it was love at first sight for either Lottie or Joe. Lottie can exist in her own world sometimes, and she usually just joyfully trips along through life, taking everything that comes at her in stride. And at first, Joe's presence merely meant a change in her routine that included more variety throughout the day: out in the back yard, then run around in the house for a bit, then crate rest with a Nylabone, then back in the backyard for a while, then naptime, then the usual excitement when I arrive home in the evening. For Joe, I believe there was a bit of hesitation when it came to caring for this odd blind and deaf dog, who has crazy fits of OCD behaviors in the house, and frightening night terrors when she sleeps. He seemed a bit wary of her.
But, Lottie being Lottie, she won him over. I fully realized this last night when I came home to find Lottie and Joe watching TV together. Joe had an apple, which he was sharing with Lottie, holding it for her and turning it for her as she gently nibbled it from the core.
He said to me, "She follows me everywhere." I know that when I'm home, Lottie follows me everywhere, but I was pleasantly surprised and warmed by the thought of Lottie having someone else to follow in my absence. And, I was happy to see that Joe's comment was said with an accepting grin, because not everyone might welcome a little blind and deaf shadow underfoot. We are all glad that Joe has joined us.
