A Visitor at the Patio Door

[Hamsters82]

So late last night around 9ish I would say, Luke starts barking in the back. We have our patio door in the dining room and sometimes he'll sit underneath the shades or move them aside, which is cute (day or night).

So we think he sees a dog and is just barking at them; he's a very good guard dog! Then my mother thinks he sees his reflection and is barking at that (lol) and he stops and goes back and barks some more.

Finally I couldn't take it anymore and go up to him and switch on the back light. What do I see? But a Possum!! I knew they were around our area, but I'd never seen one up close. He was walking around our chairs and Luke kept barking and growling at him.

The little guy looked apprehensive and then moved forward, stopped and looked at Luke to make sure he couldn't get through those see-through doors, and then moved on. I must've spooked him turning on the lights as they're nocturnal creatures.

But then he was gone, I should've taken a picture, but didn't. But that was so neat to see one up close, but freaky at the same time as they're known to get quite nasty. I wonder where he wandered off to, hm.

But good boy to Luke for being such a good guard dog!

[Die Fledermaus]

Interesting!

Have a camera ready next time!

I once found online a photo in a similar situation at night. . . but there was a cougar outside the glass! It was not in NJ.

[pinky]

Cool story! I know someone who will like to hear it!

[Hamsters82]

Yes, it was neat, thanks you two! I know, next time I suspect Luke is seeing something, I'll have to either grab the camera or my phone that has a camera with it.

[Die Fledermaus]

I Googled "cougar, and patio" in hopes I would get one of the big cat on a patio. I got cars! ;D

[Hamsters82]

When I typed in "Chinook" and wanted the dog, I knew I would get the fish. But a helicopter? Lol-we all learn something new!

[Die Fledermaus]

I never heard of a Chinook dog, but the military two propeller helicopter I know well.

[Hamsters82]

I love the Chinooks! They're awesome dogs and are from the US! If I ever had one (doubt it now) I'd name him Koda which means "friend" in Souix.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chinook_(dog)

[Die Fledermaus]

>> Temperament

The breed is described as calm, non aggressive and very friendly, always kind with strangers, and with children. They are good with all dogs most of the time.Also goes great with cats and other animals.
[edit] Health

Health issues in Chinooks are epilepsy, canine hip dysplasia, and eye defects. <<

Epilepsy?!

Does not sound like a good guard dog, though.

>> The Chinook owes its existence to one man, Arthur Treadwell Walden of Wonalancet, New Hampshire. The breed derives principally from one male ancestor born in 1917, named “Chinook,” who was Walden’s lead dog and stud. Chinook derived from a crossbreeding of husky stock from the Peary North Pole expedition with a large, tawny Mastiff-like male. Photos of “Chinook” show a drop-eared dog with a broad Mastiff head and muzzle. Walden’s leader was bred to Belgian Sheepdogs, German Shepherd Dogs, Canadian Eskimo Dogs and perhaps other breeds;. . . <<

Very interesting story. People should read that on Wiki.

[Hamsters82]

Oh yeah, dogs can get epilepsy as well as other disorders that humans have. We can even catch things from our dogs and vice versa.

I have to check with my newest sled story to see if I put the Chinook breed in there. If not, I'm changing some breeds!