Smudge

The newest surrender turned out to be a Pyr/Golden cross whom I have renamed Smudge. He has a single dew claw per back leg, a lovely head and, at first glance, a beautiful personality. There, obviously, is a lot of stress once a dog is surrendered. Transferred from car to car, and from person to person. He was a good boy, though.

He comes from an abusive home where he was apparently kicked and punched. He had to fight another dog for his food, little water, never exercised or allowed outside. He was going to be dumped on a country road when a neighbour stepped up, took him in and contacted us.

He’s only a year old and seems to have taken his previous life in better stride than a full Pyr might. Some Pyrs don’t handle being treated badly very well and will become aggressive. Not Smudge. The cross might have saved him. Smudge is nervous when you approach him and will walk away, constantly looking back. He wants to trust but it will take some time and patience. He’s going to make someone a lovely companion because he really is a sweetheart.

He met Zeetie and bounced around, desperately wanting to play with her. Not for the short time you were here would that have ever happened, young man.

It was a very uneventful night. Smudge safely settled into Zeetie’s summer spot in the dining room. I pretended the couch in the living room was comfortable and had some sleep. Zeetie and Max were tucked away upstairs. I will make it my goal to sleep in my own bed for the next overnighter. The dogs aren't going to be any less stressed if I'm there with them.

He left in the morning on transport to Hillsburgh for the beginning of a life he deserves. First up on the agenda–the neuter. Once he's had a bath, a groom and a check-up, he'll go to his foster. They will then find out the true personality of Smudge so he can be matched to the right family.

If you are interested in adopting a Pyr, or even this boy, please contact us at:

Great Pyrenees Club of Southern Ontario-Adopt

A Pyr is not for everyone. Make sure you do your research on any breed that you decide to adopt.

Look Who Came for a Sleepover!

Meet Angus (previously Buster but he is just too beautiful inside and out for that name), a diamond in the rough. I would say he is about five years old. It can be a hit and miss with Pyrs because if they aren't socialized properly, it can be a problem. However, Angus seems to be a huge sweetie and just gorgeous!  He has a lovely colour of eyes. I can't wait to see him in a few months. He will be an absolute stunner.

He was here for a sleepover before he made his trek to Guelph (Great Pyr Club of Southern Ontario is based there). This fella spent much of his life on the end of a chain outside and due to ill-health, the owner could no longer care for him. Once he gets to Guelph, he'll be neutered and checked out to make sure he is in good health.

I thought Wilson was in bad shape. Well, I don't think Angus has seen a brush or soap in awhile. He reeks, his coat is really matted, and his ears are infected. He was going berserk shaking his head and rubbing his head against the crate. He let me clean yellow liquid out of them and he settled down. I would have loved to clean him up but there was no time.

He was okay in the crate until bedtime. He couldn't settle and panted over the threshold. I tried sleeping on the couch with him on the end of a leash but he was as bad plus he kept trying to pee on everything. I gave in and tied him outside, and he settled right down, of course. That is all he knows. He slept on a bed I put out for him, but he ended up sleeping on the snow. He'll be fine to transition to the indoors once he is comfortable. It was all a very stressful time for this boy. He hasn't seen this much action in years.

Thankfully, he loves car rides. He doesn't know how to walk on a leash but with some time and work, he'll get there. I love this guy and Zeetie didn't even make that big a fuss. They were sniffing each other within minutes outside and she never reacted. She barked from a distance but her barking was more fear-based. Intact dogs seem to have that effecct on her and he never reacted to her. I think she was sweet on him.

His ears are infected but he let me clean them out as much as I could.

Pyrs are not for everyone. They bark, shed and dig holes in your garden. They are big. They need a fenced yard in which they can hang out and a single-family dwelling is a must due to the barking. They were bred to be guardian livestock dogs and, therefore, are independent thinkers—read don't listen well. They should remain on-leash when walked. They need regular grooming to keep their coats matt-free and nails, including dewclaws, trimmed. They do protect their families so all people must be introduced properly.

A huge thanks to Daniel and Chrystal for getting this boy to Guelph.

If you think a Pyr is the breed for you check out these big whites on the Great Pyr Club of Southern Ontario. See them on facebook, too. Angus will be available for adoption soon.