DEAR TABBY | Golden retriever pup ‘Elvis’ is all shook up over making new pooch pals

Dear Tabby,

I am a big, friendly, one-year-old Golden Retriever. I recently bounced into a new neighborhood with my humans. So far, I’m having trouble making new friends! When we go on walks, I get all shook up seeing other dogs and bound right over to play. But they usually seem scared of my enthusiasm and hide behind their humans.

How can I get fellow pups to take a chance on me as a pal without the fret? I may be an eager young hound dog rockin’ all the time – but I don’t mean no harm! I just want some romp-around companions.

Do you have some witchcraft that will give me a shot at friendship, little sister? If you do, I’ll be true.

Eager Elvis in Memphis

Dear Eagar Elvis,

I have to start by saying I am a huge fan. With 171 certified gold discs to your name, you are a Golden Retriever in more ways than one!

Having just moved to a new neighborhood, I understand why you’d feel lonely tonight. So, here’s some advice to get you out of the heartbreak hotel.

I dig your enthusiasm, but don’t be cruel. Ambushing unfamiliar pups isn’t groovy. I dig that you are a little less conversation and a little more action please kind of hound dog but realize that this is not an it’s now or never situation, ya hunk of burning love.

This is more of a love me tender situation. When meeting new friends, stop a few leash lengths away first. Let them scope your scene before advancing. You can’t blame them for having suspicious minds. Then, offer friendly tail wags, never tackle plays! If, after these mellow entreaties, they still don’t seem to want to let you be their teddy bear, just mosey along without taking offense. Don’t be disappointed that every pup you meet can’t help falling in love with you immediately.

Another thing to watch for is leash colors. More and more, colored leashes are being used to provide a quick visual cue. Red signals cautious pooches needing wide berths. Orange means they likely don’t dig doggie company. Yellow signals nervous nellies requiring an extra gentle approach. Blue is for service dogs in training, indicating that permission to approach is needed. But Green means friendly and could indicate a potential pal open to polite greetings from a slight distance then some sniffs and play.

So don’t feel caught in a trap or too much in a mess of blues, dear Elvis. I promise you – if you follow this advice with sincerity, someday soon you’ll have plenty of hound dogs dancing to your tune. Soon, lots of dogs and people in your new ‘hood will be fans.

Keep your chin up and that wagging tail shaking. Stay true to spreading your eager exuberance through compassion, not chaos. Do that and before you can say “Return to Sender,” every walk in the park will have you all shook up with fun new four-legged playmates. I just can’t help believin’ that!

Now let me close by simply saying: thank ya…thank ya very much, for allowing this fan to lend her two cents. Just have a little patience and a little faith. Oh, how I hope my advice serves you well, dear Elvis! I remain eternally among the billions…forever smitten with that snuggly smile, irresistible wiggling legs, and those melodies immortal.

Your forever fan,

Tabby

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