Bailey's Little Sister

No, we're not announcing anything! I'm talking about our dog, Nala, who is several months younger than Bailey.

But I swear they have a sister-ly relationship.

When Bailey and I are playing outside (okay, when Bailey's playing outside and I'm playing commentator, with a running narration of everything she's doing, feigning overwhelming interest in each and every leaf she puts in my hand) the two of them have a genuine love-hate relationship. Usually - I'd say more than half the time - they co-exist in the yard without bothering each other. Bailey is content to play with her bucket and shovel while Nala lies in the dirt a few yards away.

But every once in a while one of them gets brave and makes their way over to the other. More often than not, it's Bailey headed over to Nala with a shovel full of dirt that she dumps on Nala's paws. Or she crawls over to give Nala a friendly pat on the head, or a back rub.

And then there's Nala.

That girl's a straight bully! When she's had enough of Bailey's antics, or is feeling neglected (despite daily walks or runs) she gets up in Bailey's face and doesn't give her an inch. If Bailey's sitting on a step, she'll come over and lie on her feet. If Bailey's headed toward something, Nala steps in her way, dancing forward and backward as Bailey tries to go around her. In fact, the other day Bailey was sitting in the dirt, minding her own business, and Nala came over and SAT on her. She plopped her booty on Bailey's lap and just looked over at me as Bailey started crying. Sheesh!

But we love our girls and our afternoon/weekend play times together!