ELBEE Somehow that title makes me want to sing.
There is cause for celebration on the sleeping front. Instead of barking at five a.m., Henry now waits for me to come downstairs with Gus and Stanley around seven and then greets us enthusiastically. Surprisingly, Gus, who can be a diva, seems especially happy to see Henry.
GUS I’ve actually grown quite fond of him, although I don’t understand how these SHORT dogs keep ending up taller than I am.
ELBEE Poor Gus is developing a Napoleon complex.
They’re getting along so well, it’s as if they’ve formed a three-pack.
ELBEE A three-pack? Seriously?
When a friend asked me who was the leader of the pack, I really had to think about it. There was no Elbee in charge.
ELBEE And there never will be another one quite like me.
In the house, Henry takes his lead from Gus and Stanley. Although I’d like to take the credit, it’s mostly due to them that he’s does commands like sit, down and stay. He likes to cuddle next to them for naps and waits with them when it’s time to eat.
When the plumber Pete was here the other day, instead of being goofy puppy, Henry greeted him calmly with the other two and relaxed with them while Pete worked.
ELBEE And that is interesting, why?
I think I would have to say that Stanley is the “indoor” pack leader. Henry is particularly attached to him, sometimes too attached. He follows him from room to room like a shadow. I have even caught Henry watching a Dodger game next to him.
The reason I said “indoor” is because once the dogs are out in the yard it’s a whole different ballgame. It’s Henry’s time to play and he wants the other two involved. He turns into everyone’s nightmare of a personal trainer.
He barks in Gus’s face until Gus finally gets up and runs with him. Barking won’t 
work with Stanley, so he sits on him or hangs from his hair.
GUS He is keeping me in fabulous shape.
STANLEY If he makes one more spit ball out of my hair I may lose it, but my hundred yard dash has really improved.
Henry won’t stop until they’re all chasing each other around, wrestling or playing tug-of-war. When they’re finally worn out, they collapse near each other on the grass.
When you bring a new puppy into the mix, it’s a lot of work and you never know quite what to expect. You just hope and try for the best. I am so happy for the way that Henry has fit in with Gus and Stanley. During these still uncertain times, watching them together has brought so much joy and laughter.
