We used to have a big brother, Maguire, that was a chow/golden mix. He was our alpha but he was so laid back and peaceful. Well right after we moved to the new house, he was diagnosed with lymphosarcoma. Mom and Dad had to help him to the bridge about two months ago.

About a month ago, we figured out Maguire wasn't coming back so all of a sudden, we began to fight for who was going to be the new alpha. At first Mom would break up the fights and not let us finish but then she decided maybe it was her getting involved that was keeping us fighting. So she let us "work it out" but Phoenix always wins the physical fights. I'm almost four years old and it's totally not fair and I keep starting fights with her and neither of us will give up and submit. Well, two weeks ago Phoenix really won one of the fights and I ended up having to go get fixed up at the emergency vet.

Mom really wishes that we'd stop fighting. We only fight inside the house. Not in the backyard. She can see us start to stare at each other and try to get in the middle to break our concentrations, but that seems to start a fight. When we start fighting, we don't pay any attention to distracting big noises or commands from mommy. We've both been through obedience courses and we always listen to mommy really well and act nice in public when we're separate, but when we're in the house....way different story.

Mom took me to the vet and she put both of us on some medicine to help us focus on mom instead of hate all the time. We are not allowed on the furniture, and we have to sit, down, wait for our foods and treats and before we go outside. Mom was treating Phoenix like the alpha, letting her go through the door first, eating first, etc. because she was the one winning the fights but the fighting doesn't stop. So dad suggested we start treating me like the alpha because actually my sister is less stubborn towards humans. It's still not working.

Mom had a lady come to the house and try to work with both of us. It only made me pee and be afraid of her. I would just hide my face so I wouldn't see Phoenix.

There is a dog behaviorist in Stillwater that mom is thinking of taking us to. The vet bills are really piling up. Especially because they still have a lot left over from Maguire's sickness. Okay she's done whining but seriously, she doesn't know what to do. It's like we're not dogs anymore, just pieces of property that are in jail all the time. Dad is suggesting that one of us go live with his mom. Mommy really really doesn't want to do that. She loves both of us a whole lot. We are pretty much her life. She says that you can't give your human kids away so you can't do it to us either. She is very sad and would appreciate suggestions if anyone has them.

Sniffs,
Einzors