They say that people often pick a dog breed that looks like them. Scientific research claims so, though I have a hard time believing it. I’ve seen people with French bulldogs, and they don’t look anything like them. Thankfully.
Rick had a much-loved dachshund named Bonzo Von Silverquel, (yes, I’m serious!) nicknamed “Beau”. Beau was a terrific dog. He loved to chase squirrels. And squirrels loved to climb down a branch just out of reach and torment him. He also once took on a Doberman and won. Beau loved to roll in buzzard poop, and court numerous females (of any breed) in the neighborhood until Mom put an end to that. Never has a dog looked more woebegone… He lived a long, good life.
Rick and I love German Shepherds. We’ve had five, the first of which died tragically of parvo. Second came HERCULES – named after the Hercules C-130 aircraft which was the basis of Rick’s aviation business. Hercules was an “alpha”, except with Rick. After six months alternately ignoring or biting me, I wrestled him to the ground and bit him on the throat. Yes. I did. He never bit me again. (I think the kids too note, too.) Hercules was 125 pounds of muscle and attitude. When I took him on daily walks, he was calm. He didn’t bark or bear teeth, but people moved from my side of the street to the other just by the way he walked and looked. He went on outings with Rick and the boys. On a ski boat, he attacked the wake. He could be fierce but also gentle. When our daughter and son-in-law brought their first baby home, Hercules sat like the Sphinx right next to him, in love.
Third came SHABAH – means “ghost” in Arabic and after a Jordanian guard the family knew while living in Jordan. A gorgeous animal, but timid, probably because we didn’t “socialize” him. When we went to the vet, he’d retreat under a chair. A family member once took him for a walk. Startled by a covey of quail crossing the street, he wrapped the leash around her legs so she couldn’t move. And the poor dog got car sick every single time we had him in a car. We love him. The kids loved him. He’d shepherd them around the house when they were toddlers. A neighbor once said he would have made the perfect show dog. Any time I paused on a walk, Shabah naturally went into the GS pose. Sadly, he died at twelve due to dysplasia.
Fourth came SARGE – named after Rick’s rank in the Marine Corps. Sarge was a combination of Hercules and Shabah. Strong, protective, gentle and loved everyone. Even the vet! Need blood, Doc? Here’s my arm. He bonded to me and I loved that dog more than the others.
Fifth and last dog – RANGER – named after Rick’s nickname – Ranger Rick. What can I say about a dog that had ADHD from the moment we met him. We wanted a male. The litter available had nine pups – eight of which were female. All the typical short-haired black and tan GS. Ranger is LONG-haired and black with some white. One little patch under his chin that looks like milk. He lives with his mouth wide open, wants to hug anyone we let in the house, runs like a cheetah, loves to play ball, but won’t don’t fetch. It’s keep-away, unless I go into the house. He follows, gives me the ball and expects a treat. A nature lover, he has a gentle side. He won’t chase anything unless I do. Turkeys, especially. Gee, Mom, they lived here first… He’ll watch the squirrels eat peanuts on our deck without making a sound. Awwww, they’re so cute. Anything moves out front and he sounds like Cujo. But he’s great and sociable on leash. He gets “zoomies” and runs full-out around the house. And he snores.
Dogs have personality, each unique. Like people, no two dogs are alike. And they speak, too. A little like people. They whine, bark, growl, grin, and groan. What an amazing, creative God we have who gave us animal companions to share our lives.