A couple of weeks ago I brought Remus
to “Pints and Paws” in Sanford, Florida. It was a charity
fundraiser event for local pet rescue organizations.
I knew that by deciding to take him I
was giving up any chance at having a peaceful evening. He draws extra
attention wherever I take him and this was going to be a crowded
event.
I must admit, however, that I was not
entirely prepared for what followed. I felt like I was the
spokesperson for a movie star. If we stopped moving for too long we
were soon surrounded by curious people hurling questions at us at an
alarming rate: What is he? Does he shed a lot? Isn't he hot here in
Florida? etc..
Allow me to take a moment to answer a
few of the most frequently asked Remus questions.
What is he?: A Great Pyrenees
Does he shed a lot? Yes and no.
I brush him nearly everyday, so most of that fur that would otherwise
end up as giant white fur balls racing across the floor is gathered
up in a brush and put safely in the trash.
How much does he weight? 130
pounds give or take.
Is he hot in Florida? Aren't
you? Yes, it's hot in Florida. No, I don't shave him. Why, you ask?
Because his fur works like an insulator (rather like the stuff in the
walls of your house) and helps to keep him cool and warm as well as
to keep his pink skin from getting a sunburn. Also, Remus has in and
out rights. He can be outside for as long as he likes and he comes
inside when it's too hot for him.
Despite being overwhelmed by the
constant flow of repetitive questions, it was a good night. Remus
brought smiles to a lot of faces and he enjoyed the attention from
both the people and other dogs. One of the servers at the Willow Tree
Cafe fell in love with him, bringing him is own water bowl and
showing him off to the other employees and patrons. We also met one
other Great Pyrenees and I was glad to hear them being asked the same
questions.
I've no doubt that his picture is now
plastered all over the social media pages of hundreds of complete
strangers. Guess that's doggie fame for you.
P.S. A Belated St. Patty's Day picture.
