Eddie is twelve years old--a black Cocker Spaniel that was given up by his people, under questionable circumstances, in June 2005. They told us that Eddie was a stray that they had only "just found" but it was obvious Eddie had been their dog, at least for some amount of time. For having "just found him on the road" on their way to meet me (with another dog we'd already agreed to take in--a very pregnant Pit Bull that they'd "forgotten" to get fixed), Eddie was extremely attached to them and followed them about non-stop. He continuously jumped on them for attention, ultimately trying to chase after as they were driving off. Eddie was pretty despondent afterward and actually sulked for a couple of days. His coat was awfully matted and tangled with debris--so much so that we didn't think he was really a Cocker. Being that is was a very hot day in late June, we decided to shave him down like he was enlisting in the Marines. That's when we discovered that Eddie is, in fact, a true Cocker Spaniel! After his "shearing", we took Eddie to the vet so we could test him for heartworms and, if negative, schedule him to be neutered. Since his coat had deteriorated into an impenetrable suit of armor prior to his shave down, we hoped that his chances of testing positive for heartworms were diminished. At least there was one good thing about his serious lack of grooming. Sure enough, Eddie's test results were negative. After his neuter, we brought him home to the sanctuary but at first he was a bit intimidated by the other dogs--especially the male dogs already living here. But, after a short while and with some protective introductions and interference run by us, Eddie began to find his niche. Today, we're happy to report that not only is Eddie a vibrant member of the pack but a funny (ha-ha) one at that. Being a Cocker, he always has a ball (or some sort of orb-like object) in his mouth, which he guards diligently whenever he releases it, even sleeping with it to ensure it's safe keeping. You'll note that in one of his photographs, Eddie is sleeping with a peach, in lieu of an actual ball. The peach was his substitute, probably because it had fallen off the counter. The other day, it was an apple he carried around. At least they're both good for him because unlike the plastic balls, he nibbles a bit from the "edible" orbs. Eddie is incredibly loving and considers himself to be one of the "watchdogs" here at the sanctuary. He is loyal, attentive and super intelligent. When his back needs a scratch, he gets under the desk chair and moves back and forth until he gets relief. He can often be found, when not at our side (which is 99% of the time), sitting on the edge of one of our woodland ridges, ball in mouth, watching over the flora and fauna (like the dog in those old Warner Brothers cartoons where they carry lunch boxes and clock in and out as they work shifts watching over their sheep-- remember?) with great care and attention. What he sees, we're not quite sure but all it takes it one call of "Eddieeee!" and poof! he's right back beside us, ready to give us his latest "report". Unfortunately, Eddie has seizures every two to three months and they typically last about ten minutes but thankfully, he hasn't had one in four months (knock wood). Otherwise, despite a bit of extra weight, he is very healthy, very happy and very much loved as he lives out his days here with us. Eddie is a great therapy dog and thrives on the attention and response he receives yet he does so with a mannerly, ebullient enthusiasm. He is very popular and it's a beautiful thing to see as he showers love on people who desperately need it. Incidentally, Cinnamon, our chocolate Cocker Spaniel, seems to believe that Eddie belongs to her, being a fellow Cocker and all. Although they never knew one another, prior to living here at our sanctuary, Cinnamon was quite attentive to Eddie upon his arrival. She follows him around, with her ball firmly in her mouth, everywhere he goes, whether it's for his morning constitutional, a drink of water or a little stroll about the grounds. She gently yet adamantly insists upon grooming his face and for the most part, he indulges her wifely tendencies. It's a fact that dogs of the same breed, despite having never met before, instantly gravitate to and usually bond with "one of their own". It's interesting behavior--all the black dogs hang out together, all the Beagles hang together, all the Labradors...you get the picture. It seems to be a survival instinct, as in "safety in numbers" as opposed to some sort of dog "discrimination" or "segregation". One breed never picks on another breed. In fact, they all play, walk and eat together. But when it's time to sleep, the same breeds always do so together. Dog anthropology 101. Mammals are mammals are mammals.
