In previous blog items, I mentioned my two dogs, Max and Mia. They're doing great, Max especially.

For some background, I am Max's third owner. I'm not certain what Max is, he appears to be primarily Rat Terrier, but with longer legs. He appears to have some Jack Russell in him and some Chihuahua. I think there may be some hound in him.

His first owner had physically abused him, and his second owner had neglected him, at least that's what the rescue group explained to me. When they took him under their care, he was skin and bones, with some kind of respiratory ailment.

When I adopted him, he was very skittish, very scared. He never barked. To this day, he is still very submissive. However, he has improved, and I think it is in thanks to Mia, our Beagle.

I think Max needed another dog to help him feel more comfortable. Mia definitely dominates him as the alpha, and I think Max feels quite comfortable in this way. Mia acts a buffer between himself and me. I can call Mia to come, and Max will follow her quite happily. Before we had Mia, I would call Max, and he'd come over to me, but would hang his head down and walk in a very apologizing manner.

But things are better, and he's seems more confident at some times. I noted earlier, that things seem to have improved immediately after fitting him with a spiked leather collar.

Taking him to the dog park has really helped too. The first several times, he would remain only near the fence, and walk the perimeter. But the last several times, he now ventures into the middle of the park, and actually runs with some of the dogs.

As for Mia? Well, being the chow hound she is, she's getting plump. I have to stop giving her so many treats. Max is still skinny, and I think he'll always be that way. He just prefers to eat little.