Progress with HiHo

Since we moved HiHo in with Jelly, Peaceful and Muffin he has gradually started to learn the skills of listening, yielding and cooperating. Meals are becoming more relaxed again, and HiHo is feeling increasingly less inferior around the others. The three big camels are tough and strict with him, especially Peaceful Baba, but they also let him be when he shows deference to them. So he's learning both sides. It's interesting to notice how, even though (or probably because) Peaceful Baba has become HiHo's main "tutor" in camel etiquette that Peaceful is also becoming closer to HiHo than the other two. They are forming a bond of trust. Peaceful is dedicated, and rarely lets HiHo get away with anything.

It's really good to see tiny HiHo finally standing among the three big camels, relaxed, aware, not being punky, and eating quietly along with them. He's finally starting to fit in and find his place.

I've also, noticed a shift in Jelly Baba of more respect and sensitivity toward me. I think this stems in part from him watching me work with HiHo and, through this, getting a better sense for himself of what I'm expecting when I ask for his (or any camel's) compliance or cooperation. Jelly, as a young, generally headstrong, bull has become much more responsive and trusting when I ask him for things, such as backing up, coming forward, waiting, and so forth.

This is all very elementary of course, but it's becoming the solid foundation upon which we'll do much more together in time. This is the precious time of gradually nurturing the bonds of trust and devotion to one another that will last a lifetime. Its all based on respect, love and mutual understanding.