Thank you all, your help is as always so valuable. I tried a bit of reverse psychology. All yesterday I avoided her, particularly making eye contact, (very, very hard for me, as she truly is beautiful to behold).
Around 11pm last night she came to my room and snuggled into my back (a usual stance) as I watched the TV. I paid no attention to this approach. Around 3am when I'd finished reading, she got up as I 'put the room to sleep'. I lifted her up (really dozy and with that delicious smell) gave her a big hug and she drifted off to Irina's. As I put the lights out, she paused to give me a long quizzical 'over the shoulder' look. This morning on return from her morning scamper with mom on the beach, I was greeted with a full stomach roll and loads of kisses.
I then fed her breakfast in the normal way, polished off with a few hand held treats. One thing that may have affected her is the prolonged time I have been spending at my computer completing a mathematical project recently? With a deadline looming, I was sat here for many hours and she tends to go to her bed and sleep, so we may have drifted apart a little that way maybe?
Despite being spoiled by both of us, she never reacts precociously. Perhaps amidst hormonal interference she was challenging my 'pack leader' status and needed a gentle reminder over the pack order?
Whatever the reasoning, she's better. I'm going to take her out this afternoon and as 'Margaretville' mentioned sit with her on a bench a few hundred yards from home, at least we're together. Best I can do until the lumbar implants settle and the swelling lessens, when hopefully I can be with her more actively.
I love this little dog, more than any creature I've shared my life with and was beginning to despair... |