Nothing like a loyal friend...

What do you get when take a Sharpei and you mix him with a Doberman pinscher? My dog. Or more accurately, my best buddy… The result is a dog who turned out to look somewhat like a concerned labrador retriever, only a smidge smaller. Also, he has the Sharpei folded ears (CUTE), a slightly “frowny” brow and double pads on his paws, which are useless in snow but make him sort of prance when he walks. I think of him as a dancer… He’s a very polite dog. He loves everyone, is quiet and friendly and doesn’t smell “doggy." He’s quite intelligent, loves to play even though he’s getting old, is totally devoted to his orange rubber ball and is an excellent companion.

This dog seems to respond to art and is also super aware of his environment. A long time ago, when we first adopted him and brought him home he made a complete tour of the entire house, studying everything in great detail from the ground up to the top shelves. He didn’t hurry the job but took everything in. I found myself holding my breath until he gave the signal that he approved and was ready to relax and call it home. Pshew! This dog supervises the decorating of the house and trimming of the tree at holiday time and also supervises our taking down and putting everything away. He’s very fussy about things. I wish he’d pitch in and help once in awhile, but hey, he’s a dog…

He has certain paintings that he seems to gravitate to and I sometimes find him sitting and staring at them. It’s almost eerie sometimes. Perhaps I’ll get him a paint set and a canvas and see what he can do. Heck, they do it with elephants and cats. Why not this guy? I wonder if he requires a jaunty beret? Nah, guess not… I could go on about him but that would wear thin. After all, like good parents everywhere, most dog owners think theirs is the best. But you know what I think…