A kind resident dog is so important. I have come to realise this watching Annie and Buster. Annie has made huge strides forward, but only because she is able to follow Buster and because he will actively encourage and reassure her. There was a marvelous incident yesterday when Annie was frightened of a new baby-gate being put up to keep her safe in the night if she wanders. She went and brought her 'Uncle Buster' who came (with Annie hiding behind him) and checked it out, gave her a friendly reassuring nuzzle and from then she has been fine. We would be quite wrong if we thought that dogs do not have significant and subtle communications between themselves.
Smithy will need the same in his new home, although he is clearly benefiting from the other dogs in his foster home.
