Mans best friend. Our pup has been quite displaced with all of our renovation, but especially the last month. He is a Bouvier Des Flanders, a herding dog from Belgium, the dog of Flanders Field. This dominant, loyal, extremely powerful dog has a very interesting lineage. During WW1, were nearly wiped out. They are so strong, they were used to pull carts to haul the wounded off of the battle field. In so doing, the breed almost died. In WWII were almost wiped out again, Hitler had standing orders to kill them on sight, as they could overpower and kill the SS German Shepherds and Rottweilers. Extremely smart, they are one of the few dogs that can really assess a situation and read people very well. Hitler had been bit by one (great judge of character). They are used as military and service dogs quite a bit, in fact one of our dogs litter mates is a service dog. They can appear quite aloof, not friendly like a lab (except for with us of course), but they are a working dog and that is part of how they are wired. They arent really aloof, they are always on guard, always protecting their herd (in his case, us). Those of you who know us personally, or follow my posts know we had to have our front doors replaced with iron doors when he broke through the original doors and tried to take out our UPS guy. He thinks they are trying to come in when they run up to the door with a package and reach for the doorbell. Not a fan of UPS : ) On the other hand, he can be a complete goofball and very playful and a showoff around those he likes and have earned his trust. His grooming facility loves him, they always kid us they want to keep him. When he arrives, knowing the routine, if I let him off leash, he runs around behind the counter, greets all of the techs, sits on the scale to weigh himself, then goes to the door leading to the grooming area and sits and waits to go back…all on his own! Funny dog. I did find out one time when he is finished grooming they let him stay in their luxury suite and watch Air Bud. No wonder he loves it there! Fast forward to the last month. We had a scare with him one day he just collapsed. He is a big dog (140 lbs). It took 3 of us to get him into the car and 3 vet techs to get him out. It turns out that his thyroid was not working. Didnt even register at all on the blood work. Its been very slow, but day by day he has regained his strength as we have given him medication to supplement. We are hopeful that will take care of it. This last week, we have had a handy man installing trim and woodwork, a crew of painters and yesterday, a pest control guy trying to get the squirrels out of our attic (thats another story) and people coming and going for my business. I realized that he had been sticking to my side like glue. My business is very busy right now, and between the kitchen reno, and The Burlap Cottage, I am constantly moving throughout the house all day, I rarely sit still. He was following me, and I mean EVERY time I moved to a different room. I am sure this has been extremely upsetting for him, and he must feel the need to protect me from all of the strangers in our home. It made me take a moment to appreciate the loyal companion he is, and how devoted he is to me. I know all of you dog lovers know how important our animals become to our families. I have spoiled him a little bit extra this week : ) These photos were taken after he was groomed. I usually take him through McDonalds drive through for an ice-cream cone as a treat. (that explains the crazy eyes in one of the photos, Im holding his ice-cream ). Be sure and enjoy your four legged family members this week. I know I am.
Posted on: Sun, 09 Nov 2014 14:20:20 +0000
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