I mentioned a little while ago about doppelgangers for animals and have seen Zak several times since writing it.
I saw the owner the other day and asked if they would mind if I took a photo of Zak for my blogging friend Colin. I didn’t have my camera at the time, but they said they certainly wouldn’t mind at all.
Hubby was with me, and he’s a sucker for dogs too, so as I held Maggie, he went over for a fuss.
Zak is what we term a ‘sit on your foot’ dog. Usually associated with border collies, we have found that if a dog likes us, they tend to sit on our feet or lean in really close (as did Lotto that day though I have since found out his name is Otto, sorry sweetheart).
google image
They had another dog with them, a two year old black GSD which they have only had for a few months. She was gorgeous too, and didn’t miss out on the fuss either. Her story is quite sad as she’s fine with people and children, but a bit twitchy around other dogs, another reason to keep Maggie at a distance. When it was my turn for fussing, she leaned into me, ears back for a head rub, and then plonked herself on my feet.
There is a dog locally that is a cross between a papillon and something else.
We have been warned already by the owner that his dog can be flakey, not only with other dogs but also people, so I have not touched it. In short, it is a bully and has attacked this GSD three times, which is playing havoc with their efforts to socialise her and allay her fears.
Hubby and I think she was possibly bullied by other dogs when she was in kennels at the rescue centre.
You can imagine how thrilled I was when there was a knock on my door and the owner stood there with an envelope. Inside was a photo of Zak, though I am still welcome to take my own. They had mentioned they’d drop one in, but I didn’t expect it.
So Ray (and Colin of course), meet your doppelganger.
pensitivity101 
Very good! Now if he would just cross his front paws! As an aside, and noting the comment about bullying in a shelter. The dogs in shelters here are only allowed to “mix” under very rigid conditions. Proven compatibility, constant supervision etc. , so bullying is unlikely. I would imagine that your shelters operate in much the same way. For our beloved Ray, the safety of his own “caged area” was in itself an issue, because German Shepherds/Alsatians do not generally do well in small enclosed areas. Ray was on sedation meds, while he was there, to stop him from losing self-control and hurting himself..
Poor Ray. Makes me love the bIg guy even more. I am so pleased he found you. When I worked in the kennels (albeit for a short period of time as she was a breeder) some of her dogs were bullies and didn’t mix so they were kept separated as you say. Some kennels aren’t so caring though and just see it s a money maker.
I guess that’s one thing that separates kennels from shelters. Their “raison d’etre” is totally different.
The shelters do a wonderful job Colin.
Ours certainly did with Ray, and their support, hands-on help, and guidance has been invaluable. Their dedication to all those creatures in their care is quite remarkable, and reassuring that our society is not totally self-centred. :).
What is even more wonderful Colin is that it hasn’t stopped since Ray went home with you.
True… even after 5 years (this March)!
Wow. Five years. Treats and more treats if allowed by proxy as usual.
🙂
Very close likeness!
It is isn’t it.
Very nice!! 🙂
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