Dog of the Day

December 24, 2006

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Cheyanna, Elliot, the Dog of the Day
Name: Cheyanna, Elliot
Age: Two and a half months old
Gender: Female, Male Breed: Great Dane
Home: Quad Cities, Illinois, USA
 
   These are our Great Dane puppies, Elliot and Cheyanna. We live in Illinois on the Mississippi River in the metropolitan area called the Quad Cities. Elliot is nearly all white and because of this, he's deaf. Most people, when we tell them of his inability to hear, say "Ah, the poor thing," but Elliot needs no pity. He's very intelligent and has no idea he's deaf. He only knows he's a dog (and a happy one at that). It's more of a challenge to train him since he can't hear commands, but dogs can learn hand signals, just like people can.

    His sister, Cheyanna, is a "fawn mantle" - a very unusual color marking. "Shy" is full of energy and is a sweet dispositioned baby. Sometimes, we play like we're crying and Cheyanna tilts her head to the side, runs over to us and gives wet puppy kisses until we stop.

    The picture of the two of them was taken at eight weeks when they weighed about 20 pounds each. Lucky for Santa's lap, it didn't take very long to capture their expressions and get the shot we wanted!

    Elliot and Cheyanna, along with three other puppies (all Harlequins), were born on September 30, 2006. Two of their siblings were adopted out to wonderful homes and the third, Atticus, was called to heaven prematurely when his mommy accidentally slipped and fell on him when he was just four weeks. This kind of accident is an all too common tragedy that happens with the Great Dane breed because of their enormous weight. Irregardless, tears still well up in our eyes when we think of him and he will forever be in our hearts.

    I can't say enough about the Great Dane breed. They are so loving, faithful, sweet spirited and have big hearts that match their big stature.

    If you're looking for an excellent book to read, pick up "Amazing Gracie ~ A Dog's Tale" which is about a deaf Great Dane. Be prepared to get the Kleenex out though!"

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