Dogged.

I knew that moving out here would bring us new challenges, that it would transform us in some way for the rest of our journey in life. But it was hard to imagine how those challenges might appear, how mundane they may be, or how complex and seemingly impossible. I'm the eternal optimist, David is the realist. This combination of perspectives lends itself to some interesting dynamics, particularly when it comes to problem-solving and identifying opportunities. I see hope long after light has been extinguished it seems, and he knows when the light's about to go out.

And this is our predicament this weekend, with Kibomi. He got to another chicken. David's pretty much done with trying to help the dog get over his problematic behaviors. I feel like we haven't done enough, or even haven't done the right things to ensure he's a good working dog. I'm also challenged by my inordinate emotional connection to animals in general, and Kibomi in particular. Long before we had cats, I was a dog person. Their loyalty, their trusting eyes, even that constant desire for interaction and attention endears them to me. David's definitely not a dog person. He knows this, and I know this - but he has supported me in my desire to have a dog. Unfortunately the last 6 months or so, I have not been able to care or train Kibomi as needed. Shortly after my last short-sighted blog post, we discovered that I'm expecting our first child. I took Kibomi for Companion Dog training for as long as I could and it finally ended early this winter. I hoped it was enough, but of course training needs to be followed up with practice before it is habit. And this is where the lapse began. David started to care for the chickens and cats, I occasionally helped but not much. The dog we kept close to us, but didn't train but for a couple of shock-collar incidents around the hens, we assumed he was trustworthy around livestock. Well not anymore.

If we are to keep him, he will have to be tethered when outside, and off leash time has to be limited. I would love to build him a fenced enclosure with his kennel for warmth. That may be the best solution for him, in my optimistic opinion. David feels we should give Kibomi away. Regardless, the chickens will be getting a fenced run sometime this month - a kind friend is willing to help us with this project. But more than this, I am realizing that, pregnant or not, there is much to be done on a farm, and in a house, and with all the critters that it comes with. I just don't know how to do it all and still fulfill my desire to serve society.