|
|
|
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!"
|
|
|
|
|