Dog's Name & Age
Buddy 4yrs.
In a Word, My Mutt Is…
Beautiful, smart, lovable
Best Characteristics of the Breed
Healthy, sturdy, affectionate
Most Challenging Characteristics of the Breed
Hates cats
When, Where and How I Got My Mixed-Breed Dog
We adopted Buddy from Pet Oasis Humane Society in Palm Springs, Ca., on December 11, 2006, when he was 8 weeks old. He was one of 7 abandon puppies that were shown on the TV news. We called the station and were told where to go to adopt one or all of the puppies. We chose him because he was the fattest one. My former best friend had passed away in November and Buddy helped to mend my broken heart. He is a black Akita, chow-chow mix and weighs 70 pounds. He is friendly and the smartest dog we have ever had. He used to chew and dig, but has outgrown all bad habits. His only dislike is cats.
I'd Describe My Dog As…
He is happy-go-lucky, always smiling and loves to play catch. But he is always willing to stop and do "nice, nice" which he understands as getting pets and hugs. He was easy to housebreak and train. We have taken him to convalescent homes to visit a friend and he lets all the other patients pet him. He would make a good therapy dog.When I take him for walks, he expects everyone to stop and pet him. He thinks all humans love dogs. Sorry to say some don't, and he looks scary to some because he is big, burly and black, but that is one of the reasons we fell in love with him. My two previous dogs were big black mutts which made me feel safe. Little squeaky dogs don't do that.His only medical problem was that he had extra duclaws on his back legs that had to be removed. Other than that, he hasn't had any problems.Even though he is a clown, he is regal and majestic looking, people tell me he is beautiful. But most of all I think he is lovable.
Advice
- Choose a dog that you connect with. It is like love, you will just know it.
- If you are low energy, try not to fall for a high energy dog. It is not fair to the dog since he will need more exercise than you can give him.
- For children, try small dogs first. Large ones can knock them over. When the children are bigger, the dogs can be bigger.
- I definitely recommend a mixed breed dog. They seem to be calmer than pure breeds.
- You don't have to spend hundred of dollars for your best friend. Remember the song, "you can't buy me love".
- Homeless mutts need love too.
