So we noticed that Sam has been here for a little while and as yet no walkers have 'marked his card' Need to rectify that then!
Early Sunday morning, dull overcast and a tad windy .... Perfect walking weather. In we go and sign out the big guy!
No one says 'barrel-chested' anymore, or, 'he came barrelling out' That's a shame because it describes Sam to perfection.
Staffies come in a range of sizes, but I think it's fair to say Sam sits at the 'large' end! He trotted out with that staffie grin firmly in place, he may be carrying a few pounds but in the main he is a solid hunk of muscle, broad of back, with front row shoulders and sturdy hind quarters. He is an impressive sight! But look into those eyes and an intelligent, friendly, affectionate guy looks straight back.
As befits a dog of his size, Sam came out in a harness with a chain type lead, all very butch and in keeping with 'the look' Except that his chunky collar, and the lead grip were bright pink
Sam didn't care and we trotted off
It quickly becomes apparent that the hard man look is a very misleading Sam walks quickly but doesn't drag his walker, ( he could, he just doesn't ! ) He constantly checks back on you to ensure all is well, he is extremely responsive to the lead, stops when you want, turns with the slightest indication and is more than happy to stop for a cuddle and fuss, and the longer you walk this guy the more you will want to do that!
He is pretty oblivious to other dogs, he will move toward them if they are barking but not in an aggressive manner, and he didn't make a sound at anyone or anything the whole time we were out.
He is a very 'interested' dog, he walks head up looking around not constantly sniffing the ground, runners fascinate him, cyclists are worth a look but nothing fazes him.
Because of his size, we wondered what a decent walk would be for him, but after an hour and half he was still walking perfectly happily.
Now a warning !! We had a collapsible, bright orange, rubber drinking bowl,.... (had)
After walking a while Sam looked like he needed a drink, so out from the backpack came said bowl, Sam perked up, now I don't know if it was the colour, or the fact that it was rubber, but Sam saw 'toy' He drank the water out of it .. Then took one bite and the thing disintegrated
leaving just the thicker outer ring, which of course is a perfect pull toy, so he dutifully carried it over to me to play 'tug of war'. ... Bit one sided, I lost!
He is a character, he is fun, we sat at a bench and he tried to sit on my lap! He is loving, and bright?
Dogs this size can be off putting just by reputation ( justified or not ) Just like everything else in life, don't judge a book by its cover, he has quickly shot to the top of my favourite walks. But I really hope I don't get a chance to see him again, because he deserves to be tucked up with his own new family, who will cherish him