A Boulder “wanna bark,” Loki (the trickster of Norse Legends) was born in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, Canada under a trailer in the snow, in -50-degree weather. He was the only survivor of his litter and spent the first four weeks of his life fighting for scraps to survive.  Survival was the beginning of his great good fortune! The owner of the property wasn’t even aware he existed. He was only found when the bylaw officer came with a warrant to clear the semi-feral dogs from the property, of which there were approximately 60. “My wife and I adopted him after... Read More

Many Boulderites believe that a dog adopted/rescued from a humane society shelter understands that they were rescued, and display gratitude. Anthropomorphizing is always  suspect, especially with me. I also am confident that I have seen this phenomenon repeatedly, and I know others report the same thing. Our neighbor’s pup, Max, is a two year old German Shepherd–Black Labrador mix. He is a lover, a sweetheart, and a great neighbor! When he was first brought to his new home he was a tad rambunctious. He was a jumper, and although always loving and friendly, because of his size and... Read More

What IS a mutt? It is a mix of two or more breeds. So it is a moving target. Today’s mixed breed is tomorrow’s new breed. A great example is the Leonberger. The Leonberger dog breed was created in the 1840s to resemble the lion of the Leonberg town crest. It is a cross between a Newfoundland and St Bernard, and a backcross to a Pyrenean Mountain Dog. So what was once a mutt is now an official AKC breed! Today’s word of the day is “heterosis.” That’s a great word that means “mutts really are more robust than pure-bred dogs.” The Leonberger... Read More

It should come as no surprise to any Boulderite that Boulder Canines are huge LADY BUFF fans! And while we will be gracious hosts as would be expected of Boulder, UCLA will leave town having lost to the Lady Buffs. They’ll leave with their tails between their legs, like lost abandoned dogs. No disparagement to the pups intended <G> Speaking of lost dogs, one of the greatest places to find a new family member already waiting for you is at the Humane Society. These adoptable pups are not “second-class” in any sense of the word. They come in all sizes and colors and breeds,... Read More