Butters Rules the Roost!

I know we all get grumpier as we age, but outta nowhere, Butters has taken to bullying his brother and sisters lately.  Normally this would concern me, but the siblings don't seem to mind much; they look at it as an annoyance rather than a serious threat.  His antics usually coincide with the entrance of one of dog into "his" space, ie:  the room he is occupying.  If they've been absent for awhile, he appears to remind them that they are coming into "his" room, and must remember who's boss!  He lifts his head, givers a quick low and gutteral growl, then prances over to them, growls again, and retreats.  What I wouldn't give to understand exactly what he is saying to them!

Last night, he decided that poor Buster posed a serious threat.  Some background on Buster.  We adopted him about 5 years ago when he was already 4 years old, and he was with us about 6 months before Butters entered our family.  An abused refugee, it took him almost a full year to "come out of his shell" and wag his tail, let alone enjoy life.  Although Butters had even more energy than he does now when a pup, Buster tolerated his playful nips and yelps and was content to play second fiddle to attention given.  Even today he still prefers to rest by himself though, and rarely enters the living room unless called for, quickly retreating once the petting stops. 

Yesterday, for some reason, he decided he wanted to be with the family, and uncharacteristically pandhandled us for some love, which we gave happily.  Well, Butters decided that this behavior was unacceptable and actually fronted him off!  How dare he try to capture what was truly his alone, and his testosterone went full bore as he growled Buster out of the room.  When Sasha, the dominant female lab vollyed for attention, he gave her the same treatment!  I tried to yell Butters into submission, but his pitiful wide eyed look halted me. 

"What did I do?" he face inquired. 

Frankly I had to laugh, and gather them all around for some group hugs, which Butters tolerated barely but I could see he wanted soooo bad to banish them all and receive the pets all to himself!

I was going for a witty ending, but I have to flee quickly, as Butters and his "sister-cat" Gizmo are going at it!  Argh!