When we brought Kylie home as a young pup from a breeder over nine years ago, it wasn’t until several weeks later that John and I realized we had not seen her wag her tail.

It would take a few months before she would wag her tail. We really have no idea why this was.

I recall one day Kylie pushing her way through John’s legs while he was standing in the kitchen. We would come to realize over the months that this is a sign of affection from her. But as she grew and is so strong, you best be prepared when she pushes her way through at knee high level to make sure you hold your ground.

She would never mean to push anyone over, but her zealous way in which showing her love can have you toppling over if you are not careful.  I remember one day when she did this to John and we’d not yet seen her wag her tail. As she stood between John’s legs waiting for a butt rub, he picked up her back end and moved it back and forth encouraging her in a fun way saying, “This is how you wag your tail, Kylie.”

I don’t recall exactly when her tail finally did wag for the first time, but I do remember it happening as both John and I saw it and we excitedly said, “You wagged your tail, Kylie!”

Now it is a fun game with her. Just this morning as she lay on her bed in the kitchen I sat down next to her as my water was heating up for my tea. I pet her for awhile and then said what I’ve come to say often to her as a game, “Does your tail work today Kylie? Does it work?”

Just the tip of her tail will come slightly off the ground, wagging just a wee bit. Then the more I say, “Does your tail work today? Oh, I think I see it working!” it begins to wag bigger and faster.

It is such a sweet time with her and such a fun little game that we play and I relish in these precious moments with her.