Nature vs. Nurture

The fellas and I have been outside for a couple hours now. Finn is indifferent, but Eliot is gradually making the back deck his personal sanctuary. Inside, he always seems to look past people, and fixates on the walls or ceiling. I don't think he has any particular interest in the cob-webbed corners, he just can't figure out why we would stay in the cave all day long. Once out back, he is calm and happy. His busy little brain still scans the yard, probably looking for the best pumpkin to call dibs on. And he loves his dogs.... more than people I think. Anubis will give him the full lick down, and he just stands in his bouncer with a look of gratitude, and maybe a bit of pack pride. That is fine with us, we could care less if Eliot wants to be raised by the wolves. Last I checked, Purina costs less than formula, and there is plenty of space for a crib on the back deck. And don't go calling human services just yet Shawn, I have a mosquito net that will work perfectly fine.

Finley, on the other hand, is playing his cards just right. Sure, he likes the trees and dogs just fine for what they are, but he never misses an opportunity for a staring contest.... whoever smiles longest without laughing wins. He would sleep on your shoulder for hours if you let him, and always wants to be a part of the action. With a room full of people, Finn watches whoever is talking, pretends to listen, and won't break into that smile until you look right at him giving him the spotlight he was looking for.

I'm surprised, at this point, how much of their personality is pre-determined..... a genetic program that parents can hopefully provide positive reinforcement toward. With that said, those with experience have mentioned we will be even more surprised to see how much they change. I guess we have our work cut out for us. I suppose if we keep at it, Eliot might go on to be a forest ranger rather than a backwoods hermit. And Finn? Well lets just assume that a happy circus clown is a successful one. I'm not playing favorites here Finn, your uncles just haven't had the chance to teach you how to throw a fastball yet. All in good time.