Penny's Fears & Cheers

In her dream of dreams, Penny catches a big, fat crow... 

...for a toy, of course). She tries, but doesn't quite get that she can't fly and that if she advances toward one growling and snarling, the crow isn't inclined to stick around. I end up feeling sorry for her, she is so earnest her quest. Crows tend to be fat and healthy in our community since people think nothing of tossing half-eaten sandwiches, half-emptied Starbucks cups, and a variety of food wrappers throughout. It's disgusting, since this is a rather upscale area, ut the birds love hanging out here.

Penny loves the sun. In the picture of her above, she is definitely in her preferred zone. She will find the hottest, sunniest spot anywhere to curl up. I believe this is because she has quite a bit of Chihuahua (the configuration of her ears give this away) in her. Chihuhuas are a sun-loving, hot-zone breed. In this instance, her Border Terrier (and Dachshund?) blood take backseats. The heat only goes to far and Penny seems to know her limit. She comes back in when she has had enough. Of course, I never leave her anywhere that she cannot retreat from the heat. Along with her preference for warmth, she loves to burrow down under the blankets at night and will sleep happily and quietly there all night.

Penny's is an inveterate sniffer - about every three steps when we are out for a walk. I often wonder if she sniffs intently because she "recognizes" the scent or if she is trying to understand it. There is a canyon about two blocks away filled with coyotes that wander all over the community at night. I won't take my dogs out after dark. I've heard too many horror stories and I am determined that my dogs will not be dinner for coyotes. Penny most certainly discerns the difference between dog and coyote scents and I suspect that may be why she lingers in certain spots more than others.

Penny's fears include street storm/water drains in any way, shape, or form. In fact, they terrify her to the point she will drag me out in a large arc around one when we are out walking. She is also fearful of any kind of grills or openings, which water drains often can have.

Penny will never leave my side if she has a choice. I'm not sure, but I think she remembers being returned to the Human Society twice before she was 2 years old and she knows I saved her. I won't test it, but Penny will never run away. She will barely leave me when we're in a dog park; she keeps her eyes on me at all times.

Penny has a home for the rest of her life and she is very grateful.