When I was a bachelor I rescued a Plott hound (which is a largish american developed hound bread to hunt big game like boar, bear and large cats). In January of this year we lost California Duke, my best friend of 12 years, fearless guardian of my wife, kids and home, hiking partner, chaser of coyotes, catcher of bob-cats, subduer of raccoons. A dog who stood down a an early spring bear over his indignation at it rummaging through my backpack. Who slept at the foot of my daughters crip, sat quietly while the neighborhood kids pulled on his ears and tail, and rested his nose next to me on the bed when I was sick, sleeping in a sitting position.
Duke was a once in a lifetime dog, the one you get as a bachelor and devote all of your time to, and as a consequence becomes your tireless and completely devoted companion. Until you meet a girl..ha!...at which point he decides he has someone more important to protect and you become chopped liver. He used to quietly get up and follow my wife to the bathroom when we were camping and stand watch. The instincts of a good dog are amazing. I will certainly always miss him.
We recently welcomed a 9wk old Standard into our house after much breed deliberation. Duke drooled, was close to 90lbs, and shed everywhere. But he was exceptionally smart, always welcomed friends to our home, and stood fast against anyone who was not welcome. We wanted another dog, but one that was slightly smaller, shed less, and didnt drool, but still was active, intelligent and fearless. Our short list was Boxer, Standard, Akita Inu, and Doberman. The akita was too much of a shedding nightmare and the Doberman was potentially too large. We made some friends who had a male Standard and after meeting him I was sold. My wife took some convincing (she didnt like the beard) but after promising to keep the dog well groomed she caved.
We had to wait a bit for a litter given the rarity of the Standard here. And I had to take a 750 mile drive to get her, but Our friends dog's brother is the sire and the bitch is CH Hanlon Isabella Bird RATN a beautiful well tempered girl.
This is Vorberg Unsinkable Molly Brown
They day I brought her home
A couple weeks later after removal of a lot of puppy hair, 5 lbs heavier and sporting a lot of leg
We are looking forward to watching her insinuate into the family. So far she appears to be a very smart dog with a LOT of personality.
