Salsa and the DOGS

A momentous socialization moment happened this morning in the backyard! As I was searching the internet (as usual at this time in the morning), I notice Salsa sitting upright, calm and relaxed. Okay, this is normal. She usually does this early in the morning, checking out all the wildlife and making decisions on whether or not it's worth it to chase that particular squirrel or just bark at it instead. So, I continue my internet searches. Much to my surprise, when I look up again I notice 2 other dogs sniffing around her . . . all the while she is still sitting with her back straight and tall and appeared to be calm. I look further and 2 more dogs come walking towards her. Salsa stands up, tail wagging and starts sniffing them. I couldn't believe it! Her hair stayed down, and she never made a single bark. It was crazy! All of them bunched up in a huddle as if they were discussing some sort of master plan together. The dogs continued to walk around the yard, Salsa following and sniffing every step they took. Eventually the dogs walked out of her line and back into the woods. Naturally, an hour later, Salsa is still sniffing the yard.

I know this isn't such a big deal to most dog owners, but this was HUGE for me to watch. It is quite rare to see Salsa speaking to dogs so calmly . . . especially in her territory. I guess she decided early on there wasn't much she could do 4 against 1. Strange though, she never barked when they were outside her line in the distance, walking toward her . . . like she normally does . . .