Woof

We have a Golden Retriever that we got from an exhibitor in southern California. The owner wanted to sell him because he had a mind of his own, and she just couldn’t tolerate that in a show dog.  The dog was named Stony, with a long pedigree name attached to it. We changed his name to Bear because he kind of looked like a bear.

I was able to speak with an ex-employee of the dog kennel where we got Bear. He told me that the dogs were not given very much attention, which explains some of Bear’s constant need to be near my wife and I. He was familiar with Bear and the reason why the exhibitor wanted to get rid of him.  Bear was not a conformist. During judging, he would often choose not to run around a rink as he was supposed to; but rather, he would race to the sidelines and visit with any children watching the show. He also liked to visit the judge. These actions resulted in points subtracted from his performance. The handler mentioned that they kept the dogs in a cage that was 42 inches long by 28 inches wide and 30 inches high. The only time the dogs got any attention was when they were being fed, or in training. An attendant would usually pet the dog for a few seconds before they fed them. To this day, Bear will not eat until we have stroked his head. We, of course, give him a great deal of attention throughout the day.

Bear hates to be in close places. He does not like to ride in the car. Part of his fear of vehicles is a result of them transporting him in a small crate that was crammed in with other dogs in the back of a truck. We have never put him in a crate.

Bear has my wife and I pretty well trained the way he wants us. He has learned that when I put on my coat and shoes I am going out. So, if during the day or evening he wants to go out, he brings me one of my shoes. He is not a chewer, so he does not destroy our shoes or socks. He just likes to carry them around when he wants something. In the winter when I wear gloves and keep them on the bench, he will bring one of them to me when he wants some attention.

I won’t say that Bear is a picky eater; however, when we go to Tractor Supply for his bath and the checker tries to offer him a treat, he sniffs it and refuses to eat it. He does the same thing at the Vet. He likes a certain treat, and not any other. Obviously, he only likes the EXPENSIVE brand of treats, not the cheap ones.

Bear is an exceptionally friendly dog. He loves children and anyone who comes to the door. He is very good with other animals, dogs of any size, and cats and goats. He has never growled or shown his teeth. He acts like a puppy and just enjoys being alive. Shouldn’t we all!

It’s a nice feeling to have him nuzzle up next to me while I’m on the computer or just working in my shop. He is always so happy to see us when we arrive back home after a trip to Costco or other shopping. When we are at home, he tries to be near us whenever he can. When our grandkids come to visit, I often see them using him as a pillow. I think one of his favorite jobs is to have one or both of the kids lay on him.

Well, I guess I will have to end this post. Bear just brought me one of his toys and he wants to play. How can I refuse that?