Big Heart, Great Smile

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Several guarding breeds and bully breeds are unjustly targeted for breed specific legislation. My childhood nemesis was a Chihuahua. He would challenge my boyhood machismo with his falsetto growl and his black-eyed stare. I still tremble when I envision that row of shark teeth. This Chihuahua was never given any bad press, although I think he may have inspired the movie JAWS. I never believed that this little breed with a monster ego had to be banned from the city, county or even state. However, a knee-jerk reaction based on a stereotype can sometimes be detrimental to a breed as a whole. This is a disappointing trend to say the least, especially for a breed whose natural tendency is to smile.Cover-girl One local nonprofit founded by Allison Stetz and run by her dedicated volunteers strive to break the pit bull stereotype. “Biggies Bullies is devoted to rescuing, rehabilitating and re-homing pit bulls in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas as well as educating the public on responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering their pets.” I was given the privilege to volunteer at a fundraising event and most recently, helping them with a photo session for a rescued dog that is up for adoption.

Allison stopped by the studio the other day with one of her foster puppies whose appearance is very striking and unique. She is a very sweet, fawn girl with golden-brown spots named Nici. The spots are most likely attributed to her Catahoula Leopard Dog pedigree. When introduced to a new dog, I never make the first move. I let them come to me on their terms. It didn’t take long for this sweetie to smile at me. Immediately upon kneeling down, I was bull rushed with a ton of kisses. History claims that these dogs were bred to be pitted against each other and their ancestors battled bulls for human entertainment. It is my belief that their stout frame with low center of gravity and huge mouth combined with an exuberance of life gives them an advantage when greeting you. These qualities make it possible for them to cover you in kisses while making it impossible for you to leave them again. Nici did not disappoint me in that category! She is a very affectionate girl who is need of a forever home. I have included her profile as well as a contact for Biggie Bullies just in case someone out there has enough heart to love her. And if you were wondering, YES – she has a terrific smile!!!watch

Name: NICI (Nee-See)
Gender: Female
Breed: Pit Bull/Catahoula Leopard Dog Mix
Age: 3
Weight: 38 lbs
Dogs: I like playing with calm male dogs, but I prefer to live alone
Cats: I do not like cats
Kids: I love kids over the age of 8, I can be too bouncy for young children who aren’t too sure on their feet yet

About Nici:

Are you looking for a dog who already knows the basics? Well that’s me! I know already know sit, down, paw and come! I walk very nicely on a leash and I love love going for doggie walks! I even know how to go for runs, someone who wants a running buddy would be a great owner for me. I’m also already house broken and crate trained! What more could you want?

I’m a fun sized little girl who loves cuddling up close to you, I will be your constant couch companion. I’ll listen to you, love you, make you smile, and be there whenever you need me! I’m a fantastic listener, so if you have a rough day at work you can tell me all about it! To know me is to love me!!

I need to be adopted as an only pet.

For more info: http://www.biggiesbullies.org/adoption

the Ageless Dog

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Sukiatten I often wished I had the life of a dog. Without a worry in the world, it amazes me how fast they go to sleep. Boredom can be held off by chewing on a piece of rawhide, a stuffy or another simple toy. The highlight of the day involves a walk around the neighborhood or a ride in the car. Naturally, this all depends on being owned by a loving human. The most admirable characteristic is the ability to age gracefully. You will never hear a dog complain about their stiff joints, graying hair or various ailments. Even though their bodies age, their minds retain a whole lot of little puppiness.

My wife and I grew up with dogs in our homes. My first dog was a black Lab and hers was a Siberian Husky. Each of these dogs was very different. Her dog was like a racecar that never ran out of fuel and mine was a potato chip that never ran. After we got married, our first co-owned dogImage was a mastiff we named Persephone’s Celestial Suki. Suki was our first show dog. We caught the show bug and I handled her in a number of dog shows in our area. Needless to say, we could never win the three majors needed to attain the coveted Champion title in front of her name. I couldn’t believe it. This dog was the ambassador of the breed and very typey. She had a level topline, a wonderful head and expression and it all continued down to her compact feet needed to support her massive frame. Every time we left the ring a loser, I felt bummed out and would look down at her and see her bright, shining eyes and wagging tail. If she could have only talked, she surely would have said, “Can we do that again!”

As we soon discovered, she was not the beauty pageant type. No, this girl was into using her mind. She excelled in the Obedience ring and cruised through a Rally title. But that is for another story.

Our wonderful mastiff puppy crossed the rainbow bridge at the age of 10 1/2 on March 6, 2013. Everything that she accomplished in her life, she did not boast or brag about it. Every failure that we encountered in conformation together was seen by her as a dance in ring. Every grey hair that appeared on her face was a symbol of wisdom and not incompetence. Even on her last day when she could no longer stand, her tail continued to wag. I can only hope to live the rest of my life retaining a whole lot of little puppiness.