This weekend we went on our annual camping trip with the dogs, this time with my entire family and their canine kids in tow! Altogether there were four dogs; my two miscreants, Roxy and Cash, my aunt’s lab/shepherd mix, Chloe, and my other aunt’s shepherd, Bear. Unbeknownst to me, Bear harbours a strong dislike for most dogs, but more on that later.

The trip got off to a great start, the dogs were packed up tight in our new car, purchased mostly for the dog-friendly hatchback space that seemed like a much safer option than the backseat, and the four hour drive up was pretty smooth. Once we arrived the dogs explored the large fenced-in property with enthusiasm, happy to see their buddy Chloe again in a space that afforded them tons of place to romp. The adults got down to the most important camping task – enjoying chilled cocktails in lounging chairs – while the dogs played together and gladly accepted bonus hot dog and chip tidbits lost to the dirt.

After a few hours Bear and her family arrived. I’ve known Bear since she was a chubby, fluffy pup and I’ve always been very fond of her (and still am!) She is a beautiful, loyal and smart dog who just so happens to be overprotective of her family and territory.

Several fights broke out between Bear and Chloe, Bear and Cash, and even Bear and Roxy! That’s right, my 27 pound angel decided to take on a 98 pound German Shepherd, and to my surprise, held her own! Despite my attempts to seperate them, Roxy kept going back for more and Bear was more than game for second and third rounds. These two girls did NOT care for each other.

Unfortunately my poor, sweet princess sustained a tooth puncture through the ear, but this didn’t seem to phase her at all. Roxy sat stoically while I cleaned out the wound and continued to enjoy her weekend in the sun. Cash, however, was absolutely devastated by Roxy’s injury and spent most of Saturday night shooting Bear dirty looks and licking Roxy’s wounded ear, which was easily the cutest thing I’d ever seen.

 

He also became very protective of Jer and I, refusing to leave our sides and carefully guarding our tent.

Dogs are so funny that way, a threat to one in their pack is a threat to them all. Oh well, perhaps Bear and Roxy can meet again under different circumstances and form a strong friendship. Or at the very least, keep from killing each other.