Tags
Alternative, Animals, Beauty, Dog, Guide Dog, Humour, Labradoodle, Photography
Here in his natural habitat, lives the wildest of the species. Wild yet placid, he adapts to his surroundings without a blink of the eye. With no predators around to stop his decent on the vast open space around him, he leaps into action. The evolution of this species began around 45 million years ago and is rarely seen today. Many would say that they have become extinct but as you can see from this nature snap, they are alive and kicking with passion.
Amphicyonidaes (bear-dogs to the amateurs among us) as evolution progressed had dog like proportions but a heavier bear like build as can be seen in the above image. With the ideal mix of spirit and strength, this particular amphicyoidae has survived the Welsh climate despite leaving behind his ancestors around 2 million years ago. Current DNA from this solitary survivor shows that he has survived due to the fact that …. hang on…. wait…. Okay, scrap all that, it seems like it is not actually an evolutionary miracle, but it is in fact …. A dog. Hmmmmm.
How I would love to tell people that he is something as rare as an amphicyonidae , but I will just have to stick to the truth. There is something about being constantly questioned not only what breed of dog he is but also what type of working dog he is that really wants me to spin a little bit of a yarn. The disbelief that some people have in hearing he is a Labradoodle and not an Irish Wolfhound or other breed just makes me want to make the truth a little more fun and far-fetched. The “I didn’t know that Guide Dogs use these types of dogs” brigade I am sure would appreciate a little chuckle instead of the seemingly mundane “yes they do now” response.
The latest query about Munch’s authenticity as a guide dog came from a friendly inquisitive man whilst I was out walking. Stating “I was wondering what type of animal that was when I saw you from further back. He looked more bear than dog” this sweet man chuckled. Asking if he was a trainee sniffer dog, I softly shattered that illusion for him as I told him the only thing he would be good at is sniffing out food and the local lamp posts for the doggy newspaper version of what is going on around the area. “Well, you have shocked me now. Not only is he a guide dog but the strangest looking Labradoodle I have seen” He shouted over his shoulder as he bid us farewell.
The “Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, it’s guide dog” affect is still well and truly alive in our surroundings. I am just trying to think of some witty come backs that I can offer the ones who are confused by Munch’s heritage. If you have any, please let me know as I think it is only fair that we start a local rumour that there is a rare species roaming around the streets just to keep the mystery surrounding him going.
Mags said:
You go Munch!! I I really enjoyed reading this. What the man said gave me a giggle. Hugs for you and nose kisses for Munch from Chancy and me.
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thesecretblind said:
Oh thank you ❤. It was so comical what he said wasn’t it? Hugs and nose kisses back to you both ❤ x
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Mags said:
Yes, it was.
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bigskybuckeye said:
I have enjoyed learning more about Munch. Thanks for following my writing, and I am looking forward to reading more of yours.
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lindasschaub said:
I’ll have to put on my thinking cap to come up with a witty retort for you Zena.
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thesecretblind said:
Aw thanks Linda. ❤. It would be gladly appreciated.
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dorannrule said:
Our hero! Go Munch!
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thesecretblind said:
😂 Thanks. ❤
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cath said:
What a happy photo, gorgeous Munch.
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thesecretblind said:
Thank you Cath ❤.
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Gavin & Wyatt said:
I wonder…he graduated from which guide dog school.? Maybe he needs to carry his diploma?
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scifihammy said:
Whatever he is, Munch is a real cutie. 😀
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thesecretblind said:
Oh thank you ❤
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Kiki said:
I’d go for:
Munch was the top sniffer dog of his course, so they decided that he also would make a top guide dog – and he is!
He makes me so often think back of my dachsie. No guide dog, for sure – as she would get lost in every hole, every drain, every possible ‚underground‘ in the forest and I must have paid more for her getting out of her predicaments than for vets‘ bills. BUT she guided all of our family in much more subtle ways: In taking care of each other, her tender licking when one of us was in a sad mood, her joyful (or furious) barking over nothing at all, her sneaking up on us and then taking the best place as her ‚due‘…. Munch is what he is and thanks God for that! Makes me also think of a severely dyslexic child who said, in SUnday school: DOG is great…. aren‘t they all ‚just‘?!
I also feel for this sweet man because, surely I also would have asked the exactly same questions including being emarrassed at your answers…. I‘ve never seen a labradoodle as a guide dog either, but why ever not?! Makes him also the more special…. Should I have missed ‚his story‘ please send me link so that I can close that lack of Munch-education.
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thesecretblind said:
Oh bless, your dachsie sounds like she was so full of character ❤❤. I love hearing about her. Those tender licks alone are worth the world. ❤
Yes this man was lovely bless him and he seemed to jolly and Munch put even more of a smile on his face 😁
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maxwellthedog said:
When asked about Max’s breed, I usually say he is a Lesser Pyrenees, much like the Greater, only smaller. You wouldn’t believe how many people accept that bold face like. When in the mountains I’ll sometimes say he is a wolf-Maltese hybrid. No takers on that one yet. I knew the Munchster was a Labradoodle but he does look a bit like an Irish Wolfhound so I suggest that when people ask, you tell them he is a Welsh Wolfhound or a Corgi- Bear Dog hybrid.
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thesecretblind said:
See, I knew you would be the one to come up with an ideal alternative answer to give. I am loving both the Welsh Wolfhoubd and Corgi-Bear Dog suggestions. ❤❤😁😁 Thank you . Max’s fictional breeds sound like you think about such things a lot of the time 😁. You are a star
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maxwellthedog said:
It’s a tough job but someone has to do it. 🐕
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