Me And My Dog Chessy

[Guest Emily Ray]

Tomorrow will be two weeks since I brought Chessy home. It has been an experience to say the least. The running through muddy fields has stopped and she understands The word "no" and she usually walks on a leash pretty well. I would definetly say that the training has gone both ways. I am learning just as much about her language as she is of mine.

When I first brought her home she wouldn't sleep in the bed with me and slowly over these two weeks she began trusting me more and more and because of that she has began to cuddle with me. At 45lbs she is big enough to give you a real hug and she seems to love them as much as me. Over the weekend she became sick with vomiting and diarrea and I got up and took her out repeatedly through the night and she apreciated I think because she has grown closer to me since then.

I have taken her to the VA twice now and while she is anxious in the waiting areas once we are settled in the Dr's office she takes her place at my feet between me and the other person. I didn't notice it the first time, but today I did. I guess she is being protective. But, she isn't aggressive at all with strangers.

Everyday I am amazed at this beautiful creature. We have had quite a number of dogs as I was growing up and they all had their strong points, but I don't think any of them were as pretty as this one is. They told me she is a Nova Scotia Duck Toling Retriever. And she is at least that. But in the sunlight I can see black along the top of her back and sometimes when she stands she has the posture of a german shepard. She is two inches taller than the standard reports and she doesn't have any of the long guard hairs that a toller is supposed to have; just the soft downy undercoat.

She is smart and I have to be careful about that. If I don't keep her busy she will destroy a house just for fun. I have never seen a dog stalk prey like she does. Most of the dogs I have been around use the chase method. Chessy is more about getting down low and sneaking up real close before pouncing on her prey. And she reall does pounce. She can jump up on my bed with all four of her feet leaving the ground at the same time and landing together on the bed.

I am so lucky to have any dog! I question how I got so lucky to have this special animal to love.

Huggs

Emily

[Guest Femke]

Emily, it sounds like you've found a wonderful friend in her. And Chessy is also lucky to have this special person to love.

HUGS (both of you),

Femke

[Guest Doodlen]

It sounds like you two love each other very much. I'm glad

things are going so great with her. I love the joys of being a pet-owner. I'm very happy for you