Feb
18
2010
Hanging Out With A Pack Of Dogs
Author: Deb Trotter
You can learn a lot about a person by the company they keep. If you want to know who I am you only need to meet my dogs. My “PACK.”
First, there’s Elmo – our 10 year old Shi Tzu.
Elmo is the #1 Alpha Dog. Despite his mere 13 pounds, he is the King of the House. Self assured. Confident. And wary of men who have beards. (Go figure – maybe they threaten him?)
Oh – and he likes women more than men! As my Grandma Sherrill used to say, “Sometimes I hanker after dogs – they know what’s REALLY important.”
Arwen, our Wirehaired Pointing Griffon, stopped searching for rabbit scents long enough for me to snap her picture;
Arwen is The Queen. And if Elmo weren’t around she would be the top Alpha Dog. Arwen is incredibly sweet. The BEST HUNTING DOG imaginable. And would completely own the bed if I hadn’t put my foot down.
Outlaw Josey Wales, our Brittany Spaniel, is always a rascal. Note that devil-may-care look in his eyes? That’s Josey-speak for, “I am getting ready to RUN!”
Believe me – Josey was well named. Outlaw doesn’t even BEGIN to describe him. When my husband comes home from work Josey heads for the other side of the garage – runs towards the kitchen door – and literally HURLS himself against it. That’s Josey-speak for, “Dad! Come and love me NOW!”
Even though he drives me batty, I adore him. He absolutely LIVES on the edge … were he human, he would skin dive with sharks & climb Mount Everest – all in one day.
Lastly – there’s Nick. Our English Setter.
Nick is just … sweet. And partially deaf. And partially – DUH – DUMB. Bless his heart … his mind is “quite a few dog bones shy of a full box of treats.” He loves everything and everybody. And our other furry children Lord-it-over-him because he allows them to.
All he wants in his old age is to stay home and be loved. (And what’s wrong with that?)
Living in a household with FOUR totally different, totally lovable dogs … each demanding in his own way – can be quite a challenge.
You can learn a lot from your dog. And your “PACK.”
I think I possess a little bit of each one of their personalities, too. Or perhaps I have channeled their spirits?
When you mix them all up, the result is a nice blend of life … my life.
I normally don’t relate to clicks. But in this case, I love being “The Leader of The Pack.”
I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Deb Trotter ~ Cowboy’s Sweetheart Artist
Tags: Brittany Spaniel, canine, Cowboy's Sweetheart Artist, Deb Trotter, Dogs, English Setter, pack animals, Photography, Shi Tzu, Wirehaired Pointing Griffon
February 19th, 2010 at 8:34 am
I’ve heard so much about them I love seeing their ‘portraits.’ And, for whatever its worth, I think Nick should live indoors, tee, hee, hee.
xoxo
February 19th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Deb,
I just watched your video on Tara Reed’s site…love your story and your art!
February 19th, 2010 at 7:16 pm
MB,
Nick is a sweetheart, isn’t he? I wish all 4 could come in, but alas! Without Nick, Josey goes crazy & without Josey, Nick cries. Plus, Arwen is jealous of them both.
Elmo isn’t threatened by any of them & he likes Nick a lot.
Sigh – ‘children’!
February 19th, 2010 at 7:17 pm
Vickie,
Thanks so much! Your artwork is FAB!
February 20th, 2010 at 1:26 am
It is so great to see the kids. It is like I finally have faces to the names! Each and everyone of the pups is just gorgous. Sweet Nick and Josey crack me up with their Norma Desmond pose. Arwen is just beautiful. Her lines and stance are textbook griffon. And Mr. Elmo, he is the king! I hope I get to meet the kids someday. xoxoxoxo
pilar´s last blog ..OWOH Winner
February 20th, 2010 at 9:01 am
Deb,
I just watched your video on Tara’s site. WOW! Your artwork and your story are both inspirational! Thank you for sharing with us:D
Linda B´s last blog ..Funny story:)
March 3rd, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Oh poor Nick. I would love him up. What he lacks in brains, he makes up for in sweetness. And Josey is handsome. His ears look soft. I think Indy would fit right in. He’s a strong, silent type and a very sensitive soul-he’s such a Pisces.
Lelainia N. Lloyd´s last blog ..HUGE News!!