Why we didn't integrate the dogs while house sitting

A few years ago I needed to prove my dog could do certain things. Today I am sick of proving.

Sean and I just watched my parents’ dogs for a full week. We spent seven nights in my childhood home—our first time sleeping outside our converted van in over a year—taking care of one chronically ill husky, one socially insatiable doodle, and our own sensitive heeler.

The dogs barely saw each other.

Why? Because Scout is still uncomfortable around fellow canines. Because Snort is capital-W Weird—body language as conflicting as our cattle dog’s—and has started fights before. Because Margo… well, let’s be honest, Margo could hang with literally anyone. But she’s the exception.

Mostly, though, because it was easier. We have the resources to set up full separation. All the dogs are able to spend time alone. And I don’t need to be a glutton for punishment.

We walked Snort and Scout together twice. They saw each other here and there through glass doors. It was a far cry from visits earlier in our time together—when I’d have my camera out almost ubiquitously during Christmas week, capturing eve…