We have lift off!

Well, not really. But we do have a completed swing set!! Hooray! Gavin is ecstatic to say the least. We spent time on the swings, the slide, the glider, and started over again. He giggles deep in his belly when I push him on the glider. It makes me smile. The fact that the swing set put a huge pinch on our checking account doesn't even matter any more.

After the swing set was finished, we decided to load up the older of our two Mastiffs and take him for a ride in the back of the truck. Zeke just loves that. We drive out in the country for awhile. Then past Bryan's parents house. They were outside so Bryan wanted to stop and say hello. I advised against it because his parents neighbors were over at their house. He stopped anyway.

We pull up in the driveway and we are almost immediately rushed by adults and kids. They want to see Zeke. Our dogs draw a lot of attention due to their size. Zeke is by far the most calm dog I have ever had. Nothing excites him, nothing upsets him. He is mellow. He is great with Gavin. This is why what happened next startled me to the point of almost having to scrape out my underwear when I got home.

All of these people surround him. Adults petting his head, kids standing and waiting their turn, and one boy who reached up and grabbed him with both hands on either side of Zeke's mouth. That did it. Bryan didnt even have time to get out of the truck. Zeke let out this gimongous bark, and lunged forward. He threw slobber all over the boy and sent people scattering across the driveway. The boy's mother yelled, "That dog almsot bit him in the face!" Bryan jumped out of the truck but Zeke had already returned to his sitting position.

We explained that Zeke was probably just nervous because everyone rushed him at once. Bryan's mom assured them she had never seen Zeke act that way. We said our goodbyes and made a quick exit. We were just so shocked at Zeke's reaction. We have never seen Zeke do anything like that. It makes me uneasy, but at the same time very defensive--he really is such a great dog. I understand Zeke is a dog, and can be unpredictable. But wow, what a shock.

From this point on, we will be more aware of Zeke's personality and what he is comfortable or uncomfortable with. I dont think this changes my opinion of Zeke, or makes me leary around him. He is still our loveable, easy-going, lazy, Zekey-boy.