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Bubba's New Home

by David Lockard :: Featured: July, 2003

My son-in-law Brian had a beagle named Bubba, when he married my daughter Angie. Brian grew up in a country setting and they both he and Angie intended to live in the country when they bought a home. Starting out is not easy and the home that they began in was a semi-detached house in the heart of town. Brian was not sure how urban life would suit Bubba but along to town he went. Bubba’s kennel was constructed in their fenced in backyard. This allowed him free roam of the yard each evening and the fence’s board construction also limited outside distractions.

Bubba made himself, right at home in town and was generally not a problem but he did occasional digging in Angie’s flower beds. Each night when Brian came home from work Bubba would recognize the sound of his pickup truck and give him a welcome fit for a king. The men that worked in the lumber yard across the alley would kid Brian saying, “Daddy’s home”.

With interest rates being low and the passage of time, Brian and Angie are now able to up grade to a country home. Country living is not always synonymous with increased freedom however. As it turns out the property has deed restrictions which prohibit out door structures such as a dog kennel. This put Bubba in the position of losing his home. Brian inquired of his hunting friends, of their interest in acquiring a beagle with a good nose.

Angie’s grandfather responded with interest and asked about Bubba’s age. Brian said that he was eight and Grandpa replied, “well two old men should get along just fine” and Bubba now has a new home. Brian said when he left Bubba with Grandpa, “the toughest part will be not being greeted when I come home from work.”

The move went well and Bubba initially seemed to have no problem. Now Bubba had a view from his kennel, like he had not had for some time. The increase stimulation caused some minor baking but it was just the three or four barks that say hey! Look what I see. In a few days it turned into a more prolonged barking that signals insecurity and the lose of his familiar companionship.

Bubba’s separation anxieties developed into a full fledged problem on about the fifth day at his new home. Grandpa took him along with him to his shop where he laid down an old blanket for him. Bubba decided that he did not wish to lie down and explored the new surroundings. He then circled the blanket and squatted in the middle of it and relieved himself. It became apparent that Bubba main goal that day was to challenge his new surroundings. Grandpa decided to take him back to his kennel but on the way Bubba escaped and refused to come. Eventually he caught him but when he did Bubba growled at him. Grandpa was firm with him and returned him to his kennel but neither him or Bubba were very happy. It was later that day that Grandpa and Grandma went away to visit his brother. After an hour or two a neighbor located them and called to inquire if the dog was okay, reporting that Bubba had not stopped barking since they had left.

The next day was just like old times. Bubba listened, would sit on command, and come when called. Bubba now had a new master that he respected and Grandpa was pleased with his new companion. He said, “As hard headed as he was yesterday he is the exactly the opposite today.”

Bubba being pack oriented animal had to test the new order to determine his place in it. The first few days was like going on an extended hunting trip but after five days Bubba felt a need to make himself at home in this new surroundings and alleviate his anxieties by determining his place in it. He did this by challenging everything and everyone in his new environment. After determining who ruled the pack he accepted his position and has been a good dog since.

Many dogs will periodically test their owners to assure themselves of their place in the order of things. A dog that has made a major move such as Bubba’s can be expected to test you in a major way before he feels at home in his new surrounding.

I stopped by the other day to see how everyone was doing. Bubba’s kennel has a new roof and a fresh coat of paint. In addition Grandpa bought several rolls of wire fencing and had fenced in a large area in addition to the kennel run. Grandpa said “now he can roam the yard as long as we are around. I don’t trust him to not dig out when we go away so at those times, I will put him in the kennel.” It is on returning from those trips that Bubba now gives him a welcome fit for a king.