Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Norwegian Lundehund



This adorable little dog is called the Norwegian Lundehund. It's name, meaning "Puffin Dog," highlights the occupation it once performed with great skill and enthusiasm. The tiny canine hunted the colorful puffin. The Lundehund is not a large dog, reaching 13-15 inches in height, and tipping the scales at 20-30 pounds. What's unique about this little creature is its remarkable physical characteristics not found in other breeds. Do you notice anything unusual about the dog's feet in the picture above? Does it seen to have extra toes?


Well, you're right. The Lundehund has at least six toes on each foot, instead of the usual four other dogs sport. The added toes helped it grip securely to slippery rocks where its puffin quarry lived and nested. This six toed trait is called polydactyl.

 

The Lundehund can purposely close its ear canals so water and dirt cannot enter and harm them. Since puffins were water birds, this was a very useful ability to have.

  

This awkward photo shows a Lundehund demonstrating its remarkably flexable shoulder joints. Being flexable helped rescue it from tight places while hunting. Please don't try this with your Labrador Retriever at home. It would hurt.


The Lundehund's neck joints are so flexable it can touch its back with its forehead. Once again, don't try this at home.  

This rare breed nearly became extinct during the World War II era. At its lowest point, only six Lundehunds where left alive. Fortunately, fanciers started a breeding program, so this wonderful companion and watch dog still delights its fans. There are now between 1500 -2000 Lundehunds in the world, including about 1100 in Norway, and roughly 350 in the United States. 

It should be noted the Lundehund is prone a digestive disorder leaving it unable to absorb nutrients and proteins from food. Though all carry genes for this condition, not all Lundehunds display symptoms. This disorder is incurable, but can be controlled. 

On a more cheerful note, the Lindehund will start competing in the AKC's Non-Sporting Group in January 1, 2011. Maybe someday you'll see them at the Westminster Dog Show. 

  

The Lundehund is an excellent family pet, watchdog, outdoor companion, and is adaptable to city or country life. They would do best in a cooler climate. Their average life span is about twelve years.

This breed is so rare, I have never met one. Maybe someday I will.

For much more information you can visit The Norwegian Lundehund Club of America, Inc..

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Just a LITTLE help!




I know this has nothing to do with pets, but it's so funny, I just had to post it.


Saturday, June 26, 2010

At Least I Can Pay Some Bills!



I need to get busy on this blog again. Between writing my new blog, and being distracted by a necessary thing called "work," I'm starting to pull out my hair!

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Bad Hair Day



Do you ever have one of those days where nothing goes right, including your hair? You look like crap, you feel like crap, and worst of all, you act like crap. Well, these pets can understand a crappy attitude. Here they are, in all their tangled, matted, and outragous glory. Somebody call the groomer quick!



Anyone would look like this without their morning catnip.



"My stylist said this look was 'hot.' What do you think?"


 

"I just know an electrical storm is coming."



Enough said.



This poor dog is the victim of a REALLY bad perm. I used to get perms back in the eighties. What was I thinking!



Maybe I should try this look sometime. If they commit me, I won't need to worry about paying my rent. 


 

All of this is enough to make you hide your head.



Bye!


Wednesday, June 9, 2010

Very Old Pooping Dogs



I haven't posted anything lately since I'm staying at a client's house to care for her extremely old and very poopy dogs. They poop in their sleep. When that family comes home, I'll be moving right to another client's home for her dogs. At least I'm employed. :D  One of these days, my cat is going to kill me. He is NOT happy about all my absences. This is a picture of Madison being worshiped at a museum. Being worshiped is how Madison thinks the world should be arranged.

Friday, June 4, 2010

Good-Bye Buddy



I just heard my old friend Buddy past away. Buddy was a fourteen year old Whippet mix, who hated loud noises, and loved cut-up hotdogs. Once, bolting from her yard during a 4th of July fireworks celebration, she ran down a dark and often busy road until her family finally caught her. That was a very close call. 

I sat Buddy many times and will miss her dearly. I fed her many a hotdog piece. I also almost fed her one or two of my fingers! She just LOVED her hotdogs. 

  

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Warning, Warning!




I very sadly had a big computer problem starting on Saturday of a long weekend. Since it WAS a long weekend (Memorial Day), I couldn't take it to the computer hospital until yesterday. :(  This was bad, as I'm obsessed with my computer. Fortunately, it's once again working, and ready to face more abuse from me.



It was a "Warning Will Robinson" sort of weekend!