As the first weeks settling in with the puppy rolled by, it was fun observing the mother and puppy play and interact. Out side, especially on the beach Nala would explode in bursts of energy running circles around the young and timid puppy. Often causing the Puppy to cower between our legs for protection and for a sense of security. Something that was cute but cheeky at the same time.
Nala was so forgiving and good as a mother often letting the pup take liberties, such as taking food and claiming a sleeping area. So it really wasn’t any wonder that when they got out into the open Nala would often just flatten the puppy with her huge paws or intimidate it by leaping over and around it!
I recall a game that we would play when the pup sitting sheltering between our legs. Nala was displaying and we would just suddenly run away leaving the puppy exposed. Nala would then get the chance to bound in do what all mothers do with naughty pups & remind them who was the boss.
Now even as the pup grew, Nala was always on the whole a very softly, softly tender mum, always happy to roll over and let the little one crawl all over her. I think the pictures sum up this stage perfectly well and highlight one of the many joys of owning Rhodesian Ridgebacks
