it's been interesting watching two (potentially aggressive) dogs go through
adolescence together. i always figured Manu would rule the roost. he's
dominant with most outside dogs he meets, he's pushed Lola around since he
moved in, and Lola is the must submissive pit bull in the history of the
breed.

but over the last several months, the truth has slowly emerged. Lola is
very quietly in charge of our "pack". i see it in small things they do. if
Manu has a toy, and Lola puts her head near him, he'll drop it. if he
doesn't do that immediately, Lola will just barely raise one side of her
lip. Manu will drop it and roll onto his back. He used to steal her food
if she wasn't looking. now he'll sit, patiently, even when she's upstairs
taking a nap, staring at her full bowl. as soon as it's empty, he'll lick
it clean. but he never touches the food itself. He used to steal her
greenies or bones. now he looks at her, then rolls onto his back. "nope,
i'm not a threat!". it's funny, he's bigger and stronger than she is. he's
more aggressive. he's far more protective. but for some reason, he just
gave in to the Queen Bitch.

our house has been MUCH more pleasant ever since. Lola has calmed down a
lot. the snarking is pretty much gone. and Manu gives Lola the good place
on the couch. then lies down next to her and puts his head on her butt to
sleep.

interestingly, she's also stopped barking at people and things outside the
window. that's become Manu's job. she'll glance over her shoulder to see
that everything is under control, but she doesn't even bother to get up
anymore. Manu will check the windows and doors, hackles up, tail stiff, and
she just lets him do his job. it's kind of cool. she's in charge, and he's
our protector.

-kelly