Some of you know but some of you may not know…..I am a dog mom. I have had a dog almost my entire life, or at least as long as I can remember. When I was a kid, my parents took in a stray and then later adopted a dog from the Humane Society. That was my first experience with a deaf dog. I was just a teenager at the time, but managed to train her to sit up, lie down, roll over and beg. She was an awesome dog.
Every dog I have had since moving away from home has been from “the pound” or a rescue group. I have an issue with people who buy dogs from a pet store or breeder. It’s one of my few hot button issues.
This is my boy Chance who was rescued almost 7 years ago from almost certain death. He is a purebred Catahoula Leopard Hound (yes, it is a breed) and is deaf. The breeder was going to put him down because of the deafness (it runs in the breed) so a very nice couple took him home. They had no idea what this breed was about and he was sort of out of control. They gave him to me. As in free.
At the time, I had just lost another dog, Max, to sudden illness and my remaining dog (Matilda, who has since passed away) was depressed. Yes, she was. So there I was, looking for a dog and there was Chance looking for a home. Kismet. Even better than I understood this very difficult (but entirely awesome) breed and had experience with training/raising a deaf dog. THAT is kismet.
I will likely share some dog related posts because I think we can all learn from how they function. Chance has made such a difference in my life; he brings me pure, unadulterated joy. I swear he has me all figured out and knows what I’m thinking. Yes, it’s true.
This pic was taken as part of his recent professional photo shoot. You see, he was a top ten winner of a local magazine’s pet photo contest so he’s sort of a celebrity. Just sort of, don’t want fame to go to his head.
So say hello to Chance, you will be hearing more from him.
Well. You look joyous! Your boy Chance looks quite serious!
He has this way of looking serious – we call it his death stare. He was probably wondering why the photographer was lying down in the grass. 🙂
First I cringe when I hear the latest trendy pet product commercials on TV – calling y’all “Pet Parents” instead of owners. Then my eyes roll as close to the top of my head as they can go. Then my head shakes side to side. Then finally the sigh blown out the corner of my mouth.
I was a stray when I was a kid so I guess I should get it – but I just don’t.
Great story though – and that looks like a sturdy animal – I’m glad it has someone like you that cares for and nurtures it. Too many are neglected or abandoned.
But personally – no thanks.
It’s funny – writing blog posts is like having a conversation – only you can’t see the other person’s expressions – how it’s affecting them – did you reach the place inside you were trying for – are the hot and bothered – are they moved to action – are they smiling or frowning?
I suppose you’ll know my reaction to pet posts – lol. But I’ll still read them – for the good writing…
Cheers
LT
Of course, having a pet of any sort is not for everyone. I’d say more but I fear more cringing on your part.
THANK YOU for dropping in and reading, even if it was a “pet post”. 😉
My fiance has a small wiener/chihuahua cross – a chiweeny I guess – so I’m afraid I’ll be involved with pets for years to come.
You keep writing – I’ll keep cringing – 🙂
Maybe you will get won over to the dark side. lol I remember a time when mixed breed dogs were called mutts. Now they have special designer names
Very nice picture of you and Chance
Thank you!