19 Jan. 1998 - 19 Apr. 1998

My friend explained how the shelter had been trying to catch this dog for months, but now that he was there, no one came forward to claim him. The staff at the shelter went extra miles to find his family, but to no avail.. He had been put up over for adoption over 2 weeks ago, but with him being so large, they could'nt find any takers. If he did not find a home before closing, he would be put to sleep the next morning. It was 3pm. "Please Sandy," my friend begged "Dave won't mind."

Dave! My practical husband? Not mind taking Goliath into our home with 3 kids, 2 cats, and an overweight dog that already eats us out of house and home. "Look at him Sandy? I did, big mistake. "I have to talk to Dave" I told her, "you have 2 hours" she said " don't let me down."

As I drove to my husbands office, I contemplated my plan of action, what could I say to convince the man I love that we HAVE to bring home a 100lb dog. "He won't get in the way?" uhh..not likely. "You won't even notice he's there" yeh, what are the odds.
So there I stood, in front of Dave's desk. "PLEEEEESE honey" I begged. "How big is he?" he questioned, knowing full well I don't beg unless I'm in too deep. "Kinda big" I lied. Long pause....deep breathe....even longer pause. Shaking his head he handed me the checkbook. Dave may be practical, but he loves me. "I'm gonna need the van though" he said " you need to take my car." The car? the small car?? oops.
As I paid bail for our new family member, shouts of joy sounded through the walls. I was actually applauded for by the staff and visitors. The ride home caused quite a scene. My furry friend thought he could drive better, and offered, or should I say, demanded to take the wheel. It was a long trip home, and with stares, pointed fingers and hoots of laughter from passing cars, it was even longer.

Home at last, the kids jaws dropped. "1st rule of the house, do not ride the dog!" I said firmly. The phone rang, "so did you get him?" Dave asked "uh-huh" I replied "well as usual, you pick the animals..but I get to name them." Thats our arrangement, I get the pets, he picks their title. "I'm gonna name him Arlo" he decided "you have'nt even seen him, how can you name him?"...I looked down at the big lug.."never mind, he's definately an Arlo." When Dave came home the only words out of his mouth were "Sandy, thats a big dog."

As the days, weeks and months passed the adjustment went smoothly, well, for the most part. Arlo had to establish his dominance by herding the other animals around the back yard. Next it was the kids, though the clipping at their heels was not there idea of fun.
Of course, you could'nt have a male dog without having territory marking, Arlo wee-wee'd on every tree, bush and rock in both the front and back yard, twice. One day a field mouse was scurrying across the back yard, Arlo sprung into action, sniffed, pawed at it, and you guessed it, pee'd on it. It just was'nt that rodents day.

We also learned, that unlike Suzie (the other dog), we did'nt need to bother with closing doors so our shoes would'nt get chewed. Arlo just chewed the door.
Then there was the time with the christmas ham, but that's another story.
As time went on we found Arlo had a checkerd past. Neighbors recognized him from work sights where he used to hang around and beg for food. Waitresses who saw him at the shelter smiled with relief that somebody took him in. Arlo was quite the famous pooch.

Our stories about Arlo stretch for miles. I can't imagine our life without him. If I were to pick another pet, It would be a Great Pyrenees, and of course, Dave would name him.
P.S I'm glad I found your web-site. Having never seen
another Great Pyrenees I was'nt sure if Arlo was normal.
As I mentioned earlier, our other dog Suzie is overweight (full-figured to be politically correct) while Arlo is a little more lean. I've spent a year and a half trying to make 135lb dog into 175lb dog thinking he should be fatter because of his size. Looking at the show dogs, I've realized he's not suppose to be fat.

Fri, 30 Jan 1998 23:51:28 EST
Stacey Strickland
rstrickl@surfsouth.com
Bainbridge- United States
pyrs Yes
I got her for guarding deer.
Three wild dogs managed to get into the deer pen
and killed three deer.
For information call the Buck Barn at 1902-246-0010.

Stacey Strickland

Sun, 15 Feb 1998 09:12:48 EST
Birgit Dierckx
Cor.Dierckx@glo.be
Mechelen BELGIE
pyrs no

Dan,Cody,Kira

for Krista