Ruby is really unsure so far about being an only dog. She came into our family last year and had Daniel here to show her the way and give her clues about strangers and new situations. Now that Daniel is gone, it's my job to teach her that she can rely on me to lead her and keep both of us safe. (Her half-herding-dog genetics will still probably cause her to be a bit wary at first, but I hope to overcome this as much as I can ... and bring out more of the Labrador in her.)
Yesterday's open garden was to have been a good way for her to get used to lots of different people, as visitors came and went and wandered around in HER yard. There was one flaw in my plan ... very few people showed up. Don't know why ... doesn't really matter why, to tell the truth ... it was just a fact.
Ruby greeted the first guests just as I knew she would, by barking. She very quickly warmed up, though, and was following along and schmoozing as I showed them around the garden. That was enough for her for one day, so I ended her training session on this positive note and she spent the rest of the day inside napping on the sofa.
At first, I was very disappointed to have so few visitors. Looking on the bright side now, the folks who did come had a perfect day. The roses are the best they have ever been, the weather was cool and sunny and breezy, I had the opportunity to chat with everyone, and Mr. and Mrs. Mockingbird behaved themselves.
The garden will be open again next Sunday, June 2. If more people come, that will be great. If not, that's okay, too.