Waltzing Mathilda . . . Kind Of

It's been an interesting week.  But a highlight had to be making a new friend, er, make that FRIENDS, at the Bark Park.  Hank, much like my children have over the years, puts me into situations where I'm thrown in with a bunch of friendly strangers with a hankering to discuss their pets much the way parents hash over their kids -- only over slobber and poo-bags instead of coffee and pastries.  (Yes, I realize there are owners who consider their pets to be on par with their children; but as much as I adore Hankie Mutt, I did NOT carry him in my womb for nine months and lose my dignity in allowing him entry into the world.  Having said that, Hank has caused me and a few select friends and relatives a loss of said dignity with that forceful nose of his.) 

This is Mathilda.  (It may be 'Matilda' but the word-lover in me rather likes the 'h.')  A gentle Neapolitan  Mastiff, or Italian Mastiff.  She weighs in at a puny 120 pounds and lumbers around more like a small bear than a dog.  An ancient breed, the Neapolitan Mastiff's lineage can be traced back to ancient Egypt, Persia, Mesopotamia and Asia - to the dogs of war used by the Roman army. The breed later existed on estates and farms in northern Italy, designed to be imposing in appearance for use as a defender of owner and property. [As stated on the AKC website.]  Because her skin is loose all over her body, it creates the droopy-eyed look which some people mistakenly belief to be indicative of an eye infection or eye condition.  In fact, one of the trademarks of this particular breed of mastiff is an abundance of skin rolls on the head.  I can only imagine the extra grooming attention that would require.  I love that her fur color is referred to as blue, and the plural form of Mastiff is Mastini: the 'Blue Mastini' should be a drink or a dense blueberry dessert.  I'd imbibe either way.  As it was, I imbibed on Mathilda and her owner, a pretty petite woman by the name of Bonnie.  

I met them both on Wednesday afternoon when I opted to drop in on the Bark Park with Hankie Mutt rather than brave Wal-Mart.  Good choice, if I do say so myself.  Hank met his match in this big girl.  Though she's a slow mover, she know's who's queen of the dog pile and has the paws and bark to prove it!  I again met up with my new friends today but, alas, has to leave my pooch behind after orders from the vet to avoid public canine fraternizing for two weeks as we try to clear up a developing skin allergy issue most likely related to diet.  Bummer for him.  I, however, chatted it up with Bonnie, each of us sharing our lives and insights while constantly avoiding more than a few pretty intense traffic jams consisting of dogs of ALL sizes, breeds and temperaments.  We were also mercilessly attacked by gnats and mosquitos.  Our next meeting may occur indoors with a warm mug in our hands!  I put my sister's DSLR to good use, too, as I find that dogs are generally photogenic across the board. 

So, in that vein, I thought it would be fun to share my shots of the four-legged, kibble-nibbling, hiney-sniffing kind who caught my eye this past week.  Enjoy.

One of Panda's uptown purebred cousins.

Such a sweet little face . . . 

This Great Dane was taller than Mathilda!

This little guy was BEGGING to be with the big boys.

This guy's random black spots atop whitewashed black spots is too cool.

Mathilda/Matilda.  WHAT a mug!  And she slobbers non-stop.
Bonnie carries a towel around for clean-up.

Puppies and babies: showstoppers ALL!

The next set of photos are dogs of friends.  Namely, Earth Diva Gayla and her son & daughter-in-law.  I'm telling you, good dogs are most often determined by good owners!

Okay, so-o Winslow -- a labradoodle -- stands as the example by which all other dogs in my circle are measured: and found to be lacking.  In a word, he's PERFECT.  Well-mannered.  Obedient.  Mellow.  Fun.  Gentle.  Smart.  He starred in a play.  I expect his first book to be released any time now.  Fortunately, Hankie Mutt is clueless as to Winslow's shining merits and the case they build against his, er, errant habits.

Rosie is a bully terrier rescue dog.  I hesitate to use the term 'pitbull' because of the negative connotations so often associated with these terrier breeds.  She loves all dogs.  Is rather skittish but not aggressive with new humans due to abuse.  And she is Hank's very first love.  She's a dainty but strong little thing and her ears are lovely.

During last year's dog training with three of four Earth Diva dogs, Rosie trusted me enough to be her handler during a test.  I felt like I had won a prize!  Gayla and her family have worked patiently and diligently with Rosie; she's come a long way.  She truly IS a 'lucky dog' as are most rescues.

Bristol is the newest member of the Edwards' family doggie dynasty.

She downright ADORES her papa . . . 

. . . loves her mama . . . 

 

. . . and from what I gathered at our Saturday night dinner party, she enjoys sneaking up on unsuspecting folks and licking their faces before they realize what's happened!

In closing, lest you forget, Hankie Mutt reigns supreme in my home.

Seen here with my grandmutt, Abby.  They really are a good looking contrasting duo.