When we think of blended families, it usually pertains to step-parents and children that accompany a new marriage. But what about the adjustment faced by animals when their humans divorce and find new love?
Jane and her then-colleague, Ezra, had known each other for a year when they started dating. A month into their new relationship, Jane met Rocket, Ezra’s 11-pound Chihuahua/Basenji mix whom Jane describes as a “handsome little man and very protective of his daddy.” In 2001 Ezra and his former wife had adopted Rocket from Furry Friends in Fremont, California. Rocket was three at the time but quickly developed a strong bond with his new parents and was suspicious when Ezra brought Jane home following the divorce several years later.
Jane and her then-colleague, Ezra, had known each other for a year when they started dating. A month into their new relationship, Jane met Rocket, Ezra’s 11-pound Chihuahua/Basenji mix whom Jane describes as a “handsome little man and very protective of his daddy.” In 2001 Ezra and his former wife had adopted Rocket from Furry Friends in Fremont, California. Rocket was three at the time but quickly developed a strong bond with his new parents and was suspicious when Ezra brought Jane home following the divorce several years later.
When Ezra introduced Rocket to Jane, it took the frisky canine a while to accept her as part of the pack. Rocket’s devotion to Ezra runs so deep that everyone else is secondary. If Rocket and Ezra were alone in a room, Rocket would bark at Jane when she entered. “Rocket is not a waggy-tail, loves-everybody kind of dog,” Jane observes, and he took his time learning to trust her.
Rather than being annoyed by the dog’s possessiveness, Jane loves the fact that Rocket is discerning. Three years into their new family, Rocket still barks at Jane when she intrudes on his time with Ezra. But more recently Rocket has also started barking at Ezra when he enters a room Jane and Rocket are occupying. Jane chalks up some of Rocket’s grumpiness to old age and health issues but appreciates being part of his inner circle.
When asked why she loves Rocket, Jane responds without hesitation. “He’s soulful. He’s a love who just wants to be part of the mix.” Rocket likes hanging out at home. One of his favorite routines involves Jane and Ezra playing cards while he lounges in his dog bed. A committed dog and cat lover, Jane worked hard to win Rocket’s heart.
To what does she credit her success? “Glucosamine treats and a warm body.” Rocket loves to come and suckle Jane’s warmth by leaning into her. He values his independence and doesn’t want to be petted or held, just supported and warmed. “He’s a heat-seeking rocket,” she laughs.
Rocket and Jane managed to work out their differences and find common ground in their shared love of Ezra. While they may still fight over him from time to time, little-man Rocket now accepts Jane as someone he can lean on in more ways than one. He’s glad she came to stay.
by Elizabeth Sundstrom
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