Beaujabote, poor Dogue de Bordeaux at the campsite, he must have felt so lost :(
It reminds me of a Dogue rescue video I saw on YouTube. The owner had taken his own life and the Dogue just completely snapped; he was lunging at everyone. But as soon as they got him out, he calmed right down and a few days later he was happy again—well, he certainly looks it in the videos.
Lacurieuse, that’s spot on. He’s aloof with people he doesn’t know, but as soon as he knows them, he’s all over them! And he definitely has his favourites! My nephews, aged 3 and 20, my sister-in-law, and a friend's daughter who’s disabled—he’s so happy when he sees them.
Doudou, your Fidgi was beautiful—with all that fur, she must have looked absolutely massive!
It’s true that I only ever run into small dogs, and they’re all crackers, lol. I had a little glimmer of hope for finding a mate for Odin earlier when I saw a Staffie playing in a park. Well, this time I was the one who crossed the road... As soon as the woman saw me, she put him back on the lead and he went mental, jumping around and barking; she was struggling to hold him.
It’s true I’ve got a good vet, but since he’s the one looking after my dog, it’s in his best interest to be his mate, given his size. Because with a small dog, you can afford to use a bit of force (even if it’s wrong, obviously), but with a big lad like mine or misanthrope’s... well, it’s better if the vet is a friend ;)
Wiegehts35, the vet bills aren’t what bothers me most; I’d pay double right now if it meant sorting all his issues. But honestly, I think my dog is just a bit of a jinx, lol. This summer he got stung by an insect (we think) and his leg swelled up all the way to the shoulder! So, off to the vet, X-rays, etc... all for him to prescribe me some Metacam that I already had at home, lol.
Mine doesn’t like people leaning over him either; it freaks him out. And that’s usually people’s first instinct when I meet someone in my village—because he’s scared of people here, they lean down to "reassure" him, but it just makes it worse...
I think it’s common for mastiff types to be really zen and goofy, but to turn into monsters if there’s a threat (real or not). During the week, I was in the car with Odin, and this guy was looking at the dog, laughing, saying "he’s watching me out of the corner of his eye," lol. He didn’t have the soundtrack: "GrrRRRrrrrrrRRRRRRrrrrr." He got the message once there was a big woof. I have to admit, it made me feel better :) because I’m really paranoid with my dog; I’m always worried about him being stolen when I leave him in the car. Now I know he’ll defend the car, it puts my mind at rest.
