DOG TALES

Do you have a favourite story about a special four-legged friend that you'd like to share? Send us your dogtales and pictures!*

FUSCHIA
My boxer Fuschia (aka 'Miss Crazypants', 'Licky McLickerson' and 'The Pink Dog') stands out from the crowd. For one thing, she's white, which continues to surprise people even though I have read that some 20 per cent of boxers are born mostly white. (They don't make the Breed Standard, apparently. Which just goes to show how little Breed Standards reflect Real Life...) For another thing, Fuschia has a badly malformed front leg thanks to a mysterious 'accident' in her puppyhood. If I had a dollar for every question I've fielded in the park about her leg, I would be rich; but no matter how rich I was, unfortunately Fuschia would not be cured. One day, she may need to lose her leg, but for now she is more athletic and agile and dare I say it, springy than 90% of the straight-legged dogs we meet. She is also a born comedienne. I love her to pieces and can totally relate to Frank's attachment to Lucky! What a dog!

DANE
Dane is a dog who takes after his entire family. He loves eating and sleeping above all other things - and unlike the rest of us, he gets to spend most days doing just that! He had the misfortune to inherit some hip problems and arthritis from his german shepherd dad and Labrador retriever mum, but has never let that hold him back from chasing or being chased by other dogs in the park. He's also perfected the soulful "give me some of your dinner" look! And he's the best company in the world, although when he shares a bed, I end up curled up on the end while he sprawls out.

DAISY
Daisy is my darling. A little terrier cross, as a puppy she adored to chase a ball across the lawn and bring it back to me. However I noticed that she would only do so about three times and then she flopped down exhausted, and seemed to puff and pant for an overly long time. Vet's visits and tests happened, and I was told that I should enjoy every day with her, as she would not survive past two years of age. She had been born with a congenital heart problem.
I decided that her quality of life was to be more important than keeping her alive a little longer by mollycoddling her... and happily the vet agreed with me. So Daisy and I set out to enjoy every day, cramming in training and walking and playing as well as spending time just being together. Daisy became my shadow, my companion, my playmate, and my comforter. Her intelligence was apparent; it soon became clear that she understood far more than you would give a dog credit for. She was extremely perceptive of my mood and what I was doing... she'd come running with a toy if she thought I was in a playful mood, curl up in her basket as soon as she saw me busy doing chores, snuggle up to me and put her head on my lap the minute she sensed I was feeling a little down, and jump into my arms to "kiss" me extravagantly the minute I asked "Who needs a hug then?"
That was eight and a half years ago... Daisy is now nine years old and we continue to enjoy each other's company every day.

TOBY
Toby wouldn't have been a part of our family if it hadn't been for my ten year old (at the time) daughter who had been led to believe that the only thing stopping us having a dog was the lack of a suitable yard. When we moved to a house with the perfect yard for a dog our excuses abruptly ran out and Toby was the result. He showed his true colours from the first moment we saw him - he was the only puppy at the pet shop to rush up to the glass to greet us - his siblings were lolling about at the back of their cage showing only passing interest in the peering faces beyond. At the time we were renting and Toby was a strictly outside dog. That all changed when we moved back to our own house - now our home is littered with 'Toby beanbags' and wherever I am, he is there too, eagerly awaiting the signal that it's time for our daily outing to the park. It wasn't my choice to get a dog but I am certainly the one who has gained the most pleasure from the decision. I now have a constant companion, one with the sweetest nature you can imagine (except when he meets a Labrador... what a Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde experience that is!) Everywhere we go people instantly recognise in Toby a kindred spirit and he makes friends instantly.
Toby thinks that all that matters could have been said in a few sentences. He would like it noted that he dislikes baths and being clipped, though he tolerates the latter as it relieves his skin irritation from fur matting. Baths are quite unnecessary and should be banned. He loves outings (particularly the beach), people, other dogs (friendly or not, it doesn't matter - they all get the adrenaline pumping), greeting passers-by under the gate then racing around and around the garden to work off the adrenaline rush, open fires, heaters of all kinds, doing tricks for treats, playing chasing and tugging games with his toys to the point where he growls like a big dog, and his evening meal. Enough said.

LUCKY
Here is our own 'Lucky' with his favourite Sunday afternoon read. Although he's a bit miffed that Lucky Robson got in before him with the story of his life, this Lucky has found himself engrossed in the book. He particularly enjoyed the story of the tussle with the cat - there's one of those mewing nuisances downstairs. Really, they shouldn't be allowed...

 

 

 

 

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