Chow Main.

Planning on updating this site, within the next week, with a refurb/rebuild I’m working on (love doing this stuff). But in the meantime, thought I’d talk about my good bud. My other love.

My first chow lived to 13 yrs. old. Lived in 4 different cities, traveled everywhere with me. My second caught cancer at age 4. We took her to three different vets and redesigned a crate to improve her life/extend her days on earth, comfort… her struggles/health issues. She could not survive away from an IV, and constant liquid infusion. And we had to let her go.

My third chow was probably the most comical and fun. He did somersaults while chasing a ball. Wore a birthday hat on his birthdays. And was the “star of the show” when anyone came by to visit. He grew up with the second chow, who often put him in his place. Of course, she died when he was just two years old. He lived to almost 11 yrs old.

Which brings us to the fourth. Dogs bark at him, he doesn’t pay attention. People comment about his fur, his bear like appearance, his attitude. He’d rather keep walking. I’ve been told “he’s the nicest chow they’ve ever met”. but also “I’d never trust that dog”. To each their own, I guess. I’ve had enough experience to handle and raise these dogs. And I love this breed for life.

And on that note, this girl has talent!

Woof!

The winter storm is presenting many challenges, and now that we are dealing with bitterly cold temps, I’m looking over at my dog. Road travel has been limited to “necessary driving” only, so I’ve complied. Luckily, I prepared. I’m doing fine, but how’s the dog?

It’s been awhile since I’ve talked about that furry, anti-social, cat-like, bear like, stubborn, rebellious, independent, but also clingy, deceivingly intelligent, super protective, constantly shedding, dog of mine. He’s doing fine, and is becoming very comfortable with travelling. More recently, he’s enjoying the piles of snow he has to jump through to get to his “spots” outside. Its no surprise that he gets along well with those he’s around most. I’ve had 4 chows, they actually love people. But “Say No to Strangers”. The warming up period is challenging.

In my huge book on chow chows, it tells a story of Sigmund Freud using his dog to help during therapy sessions. And today, it appears the breed is being used to treat PTSD patients. I imagine this is because of their attachment style and natural behavior, being fiercely loyal and protective.

So the dog is doing very well. He has a buddy who stops over every once in a awhile to play, and another walking buddy he sees when we take trips to the north. He loves visiting family, and gets along with everyone.

He is currently studying the English language, and my every word. This dog understands, and is becoming frighteningly aware of my vocabulary, cues and commands. Deceptively smart, but seemingly oblivious.

What an AWESOME video!!

The leaves are plentiful, nearly a daily cleanup routine. College basketball season has begun, and this year looks more interesting than others (for my team). It’s going to be yet another fun/stressful season (with ups and downs) when it comes to hoops.

I found this video quite awhile ago and thought it may just put a smile on a few faces. Dogs… what would we do without them? A great story: