Living in his Shadow.
So
I see it now. That stupid Hollywood cliche that plays out in so many
T.V./Movie frat-boy fantasy that portrays dogs as women magnets. As much
as it kills me to admit Hollywood is on to something.....they are.
Shadow is a living, breathing poster child for that exact point. He is a
magnet....for everyone.
I can't walk 5 feet into the
local pet store without someone fawning all over him. "Is that a
Wiemaraner?" To which I reply," No. He's a Great Dane puppy". And
inevitability the reply is always the same, " Oh my, is going to be so
big....just look at his paws" I always smile politely and stare at his
feet, with an sense of impending doom that he is indeed going to be
huge.
What have I gotten myself into?
I
can't say that everyone's reaction is the similar; children often
squeal with joy and run head first at Shadow's face. In true Great Dane
form he loves it and is forever patient. Although the same cannot be say
of the mothers who look on in horror as their child hurtles themselves
in the face of a strange, large dog. The slo-mo effect of a mother
snatching back their child by the collar has me smiling quietly to
myself and reinforcing the idea that I have always held to be true -
children have better sense than adults. Fear is often the result of a
parent who, with the best of intentions, tranfers their irrational fear
upon their kids.....
But I digress.....
People
are sucked in by Shadow gravitational 'cuteness' field. They can't help
but stare. They are compelled to ask - What is he? Is he friendly? How
old? He must be full grown...right? I answer calmly that is indeed a
boy, he loves everyone, he is currently 4.5 months old and he has a lot
of growing to do before he is full grown. A LOT.
I may be
answering the questions but in many ways they aren't really asking or
even listening to the replies. They are just curious to see the dog and
touch his surreal blue colored coat and marvel at the ridiculously soft
floppy ears. I am, for all tense and purposes, an after thought. A voice
to answer questions no one really cares to he the answers to and to
keep Shadow from being lured away by some stranger.
In short, I live in his Shadow.
__________________________________________________________________________________
Shadow: The Great Blue, Great Dane AND International Man of Mystery.
Stats : As of 2 August 2011
- Weight - 49lbs
- Height - My knee (head)
- Eyes - Blue
- Likes - Paper. The Great Pink Octopus and his stuffed dog Flopper. Beef bones. Dryer sheets.
- Dislikes - Sleeping in his bed. Nylon bones. Being alone. His crate.
- Interests - Riding in the car with his head out of the window. Playing. Beach Time. Doggie Daycare.
To say I was completely prepared for the arrival of an 8 week old Great Dane puppy would be a lie.....
I bought everything I thought a good puppy owner should have on hand - lots of chew toys, bones, a comfy bed, a crate, puppy pads and leash. With the best of intentions I purchased Giant Puppy Dog Food and natural dog treats. As a good Dog Mom I found a vet that specialized in Great Danes and scheduled his first vet appointment.
How hard could it be?
Oh yeah.
DUH.
Shadow has turned our lives upside down; inside out; sideways. After all he is a GREAT DANE PUPPY. And I wouldn't have it any other way.
Things you should know before you open your home to a loving, crazy, unpredictable Great Dane puppy.
- NEVER give them Puppy food.....unless you want a over sized, unhealthy growing puppy. Just say NO. And remember this before you buy the premium priced, gigantic bag of dog food.
- Every puppers is different. Not everyone likes the cheap, easy to find Bag'o Bones you can find at your neighborhood pet store. AGAIN. Try first.....buy big bag later. *sigh*
- They grow VERY fast. That cute puppy collar you bought at the pet boutique ain't gonna cut it in 3-4 weeks. Big ass, solid generic collar from PetSmart will do. For now.
- Paper. They like it. ANY kind of paper. Books. Mail. Beware. Be sensible. Don't leave the recycling bin on their level. And soon EVERYTHING is on THEIR level.
- Too much fat and protein gives your puppy....well...the "squirts"...and a Great Dane puppy can produce ALOT of liquid poop. Just sayin.
- Your couch isn't your anymore. Get over it and move on.
- They drool. Again...just deal and move on. A handy dandy little face cloth from WalMart should ALWAYS be on hand.
- Your bed is always a good idea in their minds.
- House Training is not difficult with Great Danes. They are extremely smart and will figure it out quickly. YOU on the other hand need to be trained. Be prepared for some sleepless nights & always remember.....they can't open doors.....YOU need to let them out.
What I have learned and love
- He gives you unconditional love.
- He never judges you.
- He snuggles with you when you cry and gives you kisses to tell you it's going to be ok.
- He is hours of fun and enjoyment.
- He makes you exercise and actually enjoy it.
- He reminds you to think of someone other than yourself.
- He is company when no one else is there.
- He accepts me when I'm sad, mad, crazy, silly and loves my singing.
He has made our house a home.
Stay tuned for the continuing adventures of Shadow The Blue, Great Dane!
