Breakthroughs and Toys!

Toys!  What dog does not love to play with toys?  Well Scout doesn't.  She's much too sophisticated for such childish play.  She would much rather be chasing an actual squirrel than playing with a stuffed one.  But Theo loves toys, especially of the stuffed variety and particularly if it includes a squeaker. 

 Most dogs I know, with the exception of Scout, love playing with toys.  Harvey, however, did not seem to understand the concept of a toy.  Luckily Theo was more than willing to educate him.  In the past two days I have noticed that Harvey has taken a rather timid interest in toys after having shown no interest whatsoever up until this point.  He likes to run away with them and chew on them in private.  Such a bashful guy.  Today, however, Mr. Harvey Danger, had a breakthrough!  He actually played with Theo's toys in front of me!

Harvey is checking out the stuffed squirrel.

Scout has always been the referee when dogs play.  You see she's above playing with toys and generally looks down on dogs who partake in such activities.  Don't get me wrong she loves to wrestle with Theo but if she is not in control of the play she doesn't like it. 
So Scout tolerated this play from the big chair.

 Harvey is playing with the stuffed lion.

 Scout tolerated this from the ottoman.

And finally all three dogs together.  Harvey seems to be making sure everything is okay with me.  Theo is probably thinking up a new way to get more food.  Scout, well she's tolerating beagle play in her house by refereeing from the ottoman.  I believe she's saying "I got this, Mom."

The bottom line, Harvey is making progress!  He is learning to play, taking social cues from Scout and Theo, and becoming more and more confident in himself.  What a great little guy!

Special update!  I just captured the following photo!

Talk about breakthroughs!  We may have moved from Scout bestowing tolerance on Harvey to the beginnings of affection.