Going to the Dogs

This is our nasty dog.  That's what I call him, "Big Ole Nasty Dog" (B.O.N.D.).

He's friendly, laid back, respectful and very discreet with his business.  He also has a skin condition, is afraid of thunder, can't swim, does not like eating in front of people and at times is a little anorexic.  He's extremely camera shy.

He's not the sharpest tool in the shed when it comes to canines.  He doesn't run, never chases a ball or squirrels.  His usual facial expression looks like one perpetual "DUH".

He's our "gentlemen" dog though.  We love him.  When we give him a bone biscuit, he carries it in his mouth for a time, like it's a cigar.  Sometimes he'll bury it.  Other times, he gently lays it on the ground and then takes his time to eat it.

But, if he sees me pointing the camera at him, he'll stop in his tracts, turn around and walk away.  In order to let him finish this treat, I had to look the other way and put the camera down.
He is one sweet dog.

This, on the other hand, is my Elder-Son's dog.  He totally the opposite.  
Sharp as a tack, quick, intelligent, loves water.  Thunder?  What thunder. He doesn't flinch at any sound.  His coat is shiny and soft.  He never turns away from anything, no matter what you point at him.  And his appetite?  He'll eat anything you throw at him.  No, seriously.  We use to have to throw food to him because he loves food so much, he'd snap your hand by accident to get to the treat.  If my son points him in the direction of anything and whispers a magic word, this dog will go after it.

When they're together I call them several names:  Hounds of Hell, The Beasts, Nasty Animals, just to name a few.

Since they look so much alike, let me clarify.  Our dog is on the left.  My son's dog on the right.

Our dogs' eyes are kind, clouded over with kindness.

My son's dogs' eyes are bright, alert and wary.  He can read your body language fluently and almost read your mind.

Our dog waits for you to hand him food with a fork or spoon.  Or he gently takes it from your hand after he sniffs it thoroughly first.

My son's dog is quivering. He is just about ready to pounce.  He can't wait to get the food.
You toss it.  He'll get it every time.  He never misses.  We can't hand it to him on a spoon or fork.  He would clamp down so fast, he might chip a tooth.  We have to say firmly, "Gentle, Gentle" when we give him something out of our hand.  Even then, you may want to use caution.
If we tossed food to our dog, it would hit the ground and then he would look up with a blank expression.  Something like, "What am I supposed to do with it now?"

My son's dog has used this expression to back grown men against a truck.  It's the look that once caused our package delivery men to carry a baseball bat and dog treats.  That's all better now.  Here he's just opening wide for a morsel while our dog calmly looks on.  

Then I had the bright idea to get New-Man, Colson and his girlfriend involved with the dogs.  Our dog calmly stands there with one eye on the camera.  My son's dog is shaking, can't take his eye off the dog biscuit and then... he starts drooling.  All over them.

I love the expression on Colson's face when he realizes where that cold, wet feeling is coming from.

She's such a sport.  Instead of getting up, screaming, she hung on.

Once my son's dog gets the biscuit, he's off.  Leaving both of them thoroughly slimed and grossed out.

Love from Whippoorwill Road,

Bernadine