Home Alone

Sweet Reacher 

July 17, 2013 was the last time I allowed Reacher to roam free when I left the house. He ate a shoe. I was not happy. And I'm sure he was not happy either. Because it led to solitary confinement in his crate each time I've walked out the door since then.

But as they say, time heals all wounds--even if it doesn't restore shoes. So I'm giving give him another chance.

Why has Reacher been tapped for this summer experiment 2014? 

He still counter surfs when I leave the kitchen. And just the other day he helped himself to my half-eaten banana when my back was barely turned. He's not a likely candidate.

The truth is, I feel sorry for my Boxer boy. Ever since Panzer matured he regularly terrorizes Reacher, demonstrating that German Shepherds are bigger and badder than Boxers any day.

Reacher has taken the high road. He never fights back. He just accepts his position at the bottom of my three-dog heap.

That's why I decided to give the guy a confidence boost. Lately, he's the one dog who gets the run of the house whether I'm here or not. So far, he's made me proud. No shredded papers. No unstuffed pillows. No chewed up shoes. Just that sweet Boxer face looking up at me every time I walk back in the door.