Meet the Canines

Since today is kind of a slow news day,- with most of the day spent painting my bedroom wall purple - I’m thinking maybe you should meet the five canines who are enjoying San Carlos with us. There is Frances, who of course is with me, and then Toshi, Tipper, Teddy and Scout who are with Betsy.

I think most folks who may stumble onto this blog know Frances, but just is case you don’t, she is my twelve and a half year old shepherd mix. She’s been with me since St. Patricks Day, 1998. She even has a shamrock on her adoption papers. Names I’ve referred to as over the years include Bipolar Puppy, Bipolar Princess, Magic Diva Dog, Goofy Girl, Fanny Farkle and others. She has tons of Agility Competition Ribbons, and has done Animal Therapy Visits in Hospitals and Convalescent Homes. She’s the smartest and most difficult dog I’ve ever known. She’s my favorite animal ever. I think at last, we have an understanding of each other.


And now for Betsy’s four male dogs.

First is the grand master of them all, Toshi. Toshi is fourteen years old, three quarters yellow lab and one quarter chow. Sometimes I refer to him as Foo-Lion. His yellow color and his fierce protective trait bestowed upon his Chinese Chowness have earned him this name. He has been Betsy's guard and gatekeeper for many years, and although he knows me well - and likes me - if Betsy is not at home, not even I may enter the front yard. He is the alpha of Betsy’s all male pack, although with his advancing years and infirmities, is slowly handing over the reigns to the youngest dog, Scout. He suffers now from a vestibular gland malfunction that manifests as a condition that is similar to an inner ear disturbance. It affects his balance and is sometimes referred to as “Old Dog Disease.” Nonetheless, he is at the moment happy to be amoungst the pack and in Mexico.


Next in line is nine year old Tipper. Tipper is a noble black lab mix who I have renamed Oso Negro (Black Bear). He has the same mother as Toshi, but is four years younger and has a different, unknown, Papa. Tipper is the water dog. He is very sensitive and clings to those who he thinks are upset or distressed. On the other hand, he is the barker and the licker, and must be calmed down frequently. Over the past few days Tipper has made a few attempts with growls and snarls, to claim me and prevent Frances from getting to me. I have had to intervene and make it clear that Frances is the preferred dog in my pack. Tipper now understands that Frances is a princess, and there is not much to be done about that. He sleeps in my room once in awhile, but he is relegated to the floor.


Next up is Ted, or Teddy. Ted is a gray miniature Schnauzer. He is nicknamed Ewok, due to his almost mythological appearance when he roams through the forest at Betsy’s house, especially when he hasn’t had a recent haircut. His alternate nickname is “Rattlesnake” because he sometimes strikes without warning. Ted was Betsy’s Mom’s dog and Betsy took him in when Mer passed in 2007. Ted is elderly – 13-1/2 years - which is apparent with his stiff movement and occasional grouchiness.


Finally we have Scout. Scout is the young ‘un in the pack. He is two and a half . Our best guess is that he is a Corgi/Border Collie Mix, maybe with some terrier. He is smart, quick and very sharp. He has all the natural herding instincts and would be a great agility dog. He is quickly becoming the alpha of the pack. As leader, he not only is the boss, but also takes care of his elderly companions by letting Betsy know when one of them is in need of something. But, he is also the instigator, and if there is a fight, chances are he started it. Betsy rescued Scout the day before he was to be killed at the Merced Animal Shelter.


All of the dogs sport a red heart shaped tag with their Mexico phone number.



Here and there a few indignities must be suffered...


... but for the most part they all get along just fine.