The Wolf Family Dogs

I would like, to begin with, to say that though parents, husbands, children, lovers and friends are all very well, they are not the dog. -- Elizabeth Von Arnim (1866-1941)

Fezziwig

1991-2005

A Small Dog!

During the Christmas season of 1991, it was decided we needed a dog.  Again we went to the books and found a toy poodle would be the perfect choice.  Based on the recommendation of our vet, we found just what we were looking for at a local breeder.

We agonized over a name for this little animal.  We really enjoy watching Charles Dickens A Christmas Carol.  During one such preview, the name "Mr. Fezziwig" was used and BANG!  We had a name for our little poodle.

Intruder Alert!

Upon his arrival at our house, the tiny six pound dog proceeded to walk up to the rather perplexed 157 pound Irish Wolfhound, sniff its nose, walk past it to the Wolfhound's food dish and begin chowing down.  This is an excellent example of why the Wolfhounds are called the "gentle giants".  This is also why poodles are known as a breed you shouldn't overfeed.  They have priorities and food is way up at the top of their concerns.

The Vet Said NO!

The vet we use, a fellow who we've been using for 30 years, said it wouldn't work.  There was no chance the little poodle would make it.  We expected people to be puzzled but didn't think we'd get that form of reaction from the vet.

We knew Kelly well.  She was as gentle as a lamb and proved the learned doctor wrong.  They love each other.  Should something happen and Fezzi cry out, she's first at his side ready to help or defend.  Fezzi needed a path in the snow; Kelly broke that path for him.

Walking the Duo

There is nothing more fun than walking a Wolfhound (a breed many people have never seen) with a Toy Poodle.  Many, many times people have come up to us and asked, "What kind of dog is that?"  Of course, our immediate response is, "Poodle!"

People just don't understand that Fezziwig thought he was the same size as Kelly.

Little Dog, Big Attitude

Fezziwig provides us with exactly what we wanted.  He's an excellent friend and companion.  He likes to be close.  He's (sort of) loyal ... as long as someone else doesn't have a cookie.

Did He Understand Our Discussion?

On January 22, 2000 we were discussing what to expect when the new German Shepherd puppy arrives in mid-February.

One thing we discussed was that Fezzi and Kelly never barked when I came home for lunch while working midnight shift.  Since Kelly died he has not barked at me coming home.  It was likely that the new puppy would put up quite a racket.  Those sleeping would have to accept that as part of the package.

On January 23, 2000 at about 5:00 AM I came home for lunch.  Fezziwig put up a terrible racket barking at me from his place on the bed.

On Sunday, January 30, 2000 we took a ride to the local pet store.  Fezzy joined us in the cart.  We picked up a number of items including a new Nylabone for the puppy soon to join us.  On Monday, January 31 I came home about noon for lunch.  Fezzy had been alone all morning.  I found he had dug many of his toys out of his toybox, retrieved his old ratty Nylabone and left it prominently displayed for us.

Does Fezzi understand more than we know?

And Along Comes Fritzie!

With the addition of a German Shepherd Dog into our house, Fezziwig became the resident sheep.  GSDs are herding dogs.  They need (they REALLY need) to look out after things ... like other dogs. 

 Fezziwig is too old and too set in his ways to be herded about and biting the 70 pound GSD in the nose is not above him.  He will tolerate Mother making him wear a dopey hat for Christmas, 2000.  He won't tolerate the GSD.

Luckily, Santa didn't want to sit with BOTH dogs as the GSD's overwhelming need to protect Fezziwig might end Christmas for Pet Supplies Plus!

On his twelfth birthday Fezziwig greets trick-or-treaters as a bat.

Some pictures from when we were in Yellowstone National Park.
 

Fezz kept us good company for more than thirteen years.

See Fezziwig the Jeepin' dog!!!

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