Avalanche joined our family the first week in May in 2014. He showed up outside of my daughter's office, crying, cold and full of ticks and clearly abandoned. She rescued him, fed him, warmed him up, cleaned him up and brought him home (6 hours away) to Mom for her birthday. He was so tiny, we were concerned about his ability to thrive in our household of a large older dog and 3 cats. We should not have worried.
He spent the first night screaming his lungs out. Nothing but getting up and sitting in a chair holding him with a blanket would quiet him. Bear, our older dog, seemed to be afraid of him, and the cats hissed and spat but gave him a wide berth. We took him to the vet first thing to get checked out and started on his shots. He weighed a whopping 7.5 lbs.
He began to grow. He more than doubled his weight in 3 weeks.
And kept growing. Our veterinarian said the current philosophy regarding neutering was to wait until 8-9 months when growth plates were completed. He said there are fewer complications, especially with big dogs - which Avalanche was becoming. So, we are waiting.
We are not sure what breeds combined to produce this unique specimen. He does sound like a hound when he's excited. He can run like the wind. He definitely marches to his own drum...i.e., he's not a pleaser. He will mind if chooses to; otherwise, he will try to let you know why you are wrong to try to make him mind. He has an apparently naturally docked tail. It was like that when he was found. It has a bit of a flag like it was meant to be a retriever tail if it was normal length. It also has an interesting little whirligig whirl at the end. While he is overall black and tan, the tan parts have speckles like a Brittany or Springer spaniel. The hair over his back is becoming thick and soft like a Shepherd's fur, but there are longer, harsh reddish hairs on his lower sides and belly - almost like a terrier. He chews ..... a lot. He ate a complete rosebush a couple of weeks ago. But overall, he seems to live life with a tremendous joy and enthusiasm.
His appointment for his "procedure" is Jan. 13th and I have to admit I am a little concerned. I know it must be done, but I am worried (as I am about everything - ask my kids). I will update after it's over.
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