SEPTEMBER 2013 DOG OF THE MONTH IS CONNOR!
Connor is our September Dog of the Month. Connor is a mixed breed, probably part Husky and part Lab. He is about 18” at the shoulder, which makes him a fairly big boy! Pound-for-pound, Connor is the BIGGEST dog we have.
The Lab part of Connor does not seem to be dominant. The Labrador Retriever was bred to work alongside fishermen. They helped pull in nets and catch the fish that escaped. The Lab thrives in the water. However, as the breed continued to change, they also became most proficient at retrieving game. This “water” gene appears to be missing in our Connor as he HATES water! Strangely, he does love the slide, even though he knows he might get wet. You won’t find him in our doggy pools or running through a sprinkler. He even whines and howls when getting his bath here at Central Bark!
Connor did inherit the lovable qualities of a Lab as he has their wonderful temperament and loves being around people. The Lab part of Connor makes him easy to train. He attended training classes here at Central Bark and was an outstanding pupil! Because of their even temperament and trainability millions of Americans own a Labrador Retriever.
That Husky part of Connor strongly asserts itself, both in his personality and in his appearance. The Husky has its origins in Northeast Asia where it was bred to be a sled dog. Because it originated in cold climates, Huskies have a thicker coat then most other breeds of dog. It is made up of a dense cashmere-like undercoat and a longer, coarse topcoat. This is very similar to Connor’s coat. He does not have the coat of a Lab. The Siberian Husky is known for its amazing endurance That has to be why Connor can play and cavort all day long and never get tired. A Husky’s willingness to work and its agreeable and outgoing temperament make it a great all-around dog, suitable for anything from sledding to therapy work. This high-energy breed needs plenty of exercise and play so that is why Connor loves and needs to be at Central Bark. He does miss some play time one day a week because Barbara volunteers at a hospital and needs to pick him up early that day. That “Husky stamina gene” kicks in regularly as Connor holds the Play Group record for “First In & Out of the Gate!”
Connor was rescued from the APL by Kristen. However, Kristen relocated to Tennessee and this meant giving Connor to her mother, Barbara. Barbara and Connor bonded instantly and were a perfect match. Once Kristen settled in to her new surroundings, she decided she wanted Connor back, much to Barbara’s disappointment. However, Connor is a very high-energy dog requiring more time and commitment than Kristen was able to provide. Connor came back to Barbara for good! That is how Connor came to be a regular Central Bark.
Whenever Barbara travels, Connor gets to stay overnight at Central Bark. She loves to go to exotic locations, like Bora Bora.
Connor and Barbara, a great pair. Congratulate them if you see them because Connor is our September Dog of the Month. You’ll recognize him, he’s the big boy with the super trim, lean, and lovely Mom!
