"Paul E. Schoen" wrote
"cshenk" wrote

I took Muttley for a swim and a bath. He did not seem to enjoy either (see
photos on his website). He *really* needed the bath, after more than a
year

Hehehehe cute fellow! Cash doesnt like getting wet.

There are specific characteristics we want in a dog.
(snipped list)

So far, we find the beagle/Basset/hound line seems to suit us very well.
It's not the only one that would work though. Current fellow is a happy
fairly healthy for his condition mixed Beagle/Bull Mastiff (apparently).
Heartworm victim with damage and spinal arthritis (not major arthritis
but not fond of damp cold days and needs a step stool to climb on his
favored sofa to sleep).

Did some browsing today and saw a cutie with medical needs who we are
thinking about asking about.

Gotta finish the fence first though (taking a short break, finishing that
fence today). She looks like a mix of doxie and beagle?

A greyhound here, just wouldn't work. They need more exercise than we
can do (husband and me are both older and disabled with running/walking
being the main 'no go' except short walks with no regular schedule).

Muttley seems to be a mixture of GSD and possibly Mastiff, and he does
seem to fit the mold of being a guardian. He has a high prey drive so I
would not trust him with cats (my cat coexisted with him for the first 8
months I had him). I can't trust him off-leash, mostly due to the
proximity of a dangerous road, but he has gotten loose several times with
no ill effects and he has always found his way back or I found him nearby.
He is a very low-key dog and seems content to snooze or sit outside on a
tether. I have back and knee problems and I usually only walk him about
1/4-1/2 mile daily, and once in a while for 2-3 miles. I saved him from
euthanasia three times, and although most people like him, it would be
difficult to find someone who would take him. He is about 76 lb but he is
surprisingly agile and gentle.

Humm! He would fit here then. I'd not have thought of that. Right now we
are on a list for possible home older ones, a senior who is unadoptable
because has only estimated 1-2 years. No specific hits yet but may come up.

He has been fine meeting people and young children, but sometimes has been
aggressive with dogs. He would not have been a dog I would have chosen,
and in fact I didn't want him, but after almost a year we really bonded
and he is now a significant part of my life. As Cesar says, sometimes you
get the dog you need.

;-) Ah well

Do you have pictures of your dog(s)? It really helps to visualize the
animals we talk about here. There are lots of pictures of Muttley on his
website www.muttleydog.com.

Just 1 dog and one cat here. Gotta get the digital cable located so can
post a few pictures.