Well, it’s been two years since the inception of Barking Buddies and 10 years in total as a contributing writer to the local newspaper community.
It’s very rewarding for me in many ways. It does help pay my cellphone bill but having someone contact me or stop me in town to say hello and thank you, after seeing their lovable pooch in the paper, far exceeds my glee in lining the pockets of the Rogers family.
It’s never been mentioned to me, nor have I received any complaints, but I have been a little negligent in featuring dogs from the Qualicum Beach area regularly. It’s so easy to just pop down to the beautiful boardwalk in Parksville, close to my home, where there’s always a dog or 50 to “interview”.
My commitment to drive to the walking path along Qualicum Beach was almost fruitless when at the last few seconds I spotted one singular dog on a quiet mid-week morning.
I parked a short distance away from my next subject and waited beside the seawall for the two gents and the gorgeous little darling to approach. Tiptoeing along, ever so slowly and gently, was Nikki, the sweetest long-haired Chihuahua or as her owner Gary Hildebrandt, like many owners, call them “Cha Who Ah Who Ahs”.
Nikki stands slightly behind Gary and ever so quietly, in an obvious posture of being timid but not scared, looks up at me. Often people are unaware that a small dog which stands eight inches tall is thinking “who is this giant person looking down on me and am I safe?”
Fear often triggers a defence mechanism and growling, barking and even nipping a stranger is not an act of violence but more of a survival instinct. Talking softly, removing a hat and sunglasses and bending down to get lower to their height is no different for a dog or actually a little child.
Always ask permission of a dog owner when it comes to petting them or playing with them. In this case Nikki, with her dark black coat and greying nose and mouth area, sends the message: “Admire me but cuddles and tickles are reserved for my owner.”
I’m not offended by that at all as I feel very happy just seeing she is loved and cared for and is just so darn demure and cute.
Now saying that, apparently when you approach the Hildebrandt house a security alarm isn’t necessary as that all too familiar Chihuahua bark breaks the silence.
Nikki, obtained from a Nanaimo-based rescue, goes into five-pound protector mode. Apparently if you are also of the winged species she will let the Hildebrandts know, but Gary says they’ve yet to worry about a robin or finch being unwelcome in their yard.
Love these little sticks of furry dynamite and treat them gently.
Bill Flower is an avid dog lover and proud Parksville resident
