Sir Chance A-Lot's Dad

Chance loves his dad.  They spend a lot of time together.  Dad is always petting his "Little Buddy" and they have a unique language of their own.  I refer to them as Gilligan and the Skipper.  Dad can't move and his little buddy is beside him.  Chance also knows that he can many treats from his big buddy.  

We were watching W-Five tonight and it was about soldiers coming home from Afghanistan suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and how 37 stray dogs have been trained for these heroic men.  It was interesting how the dogs are there for emotional support.  When a commercial came on I laughed as Chance was sitting between us and we were both stroking him.  I personally believe that dogs offer therapy in many many ways.  I don't know who needed who most:  did the dog need us, or did we need him?  he has been the cause of much laughter, and he always licks away my tears.

It has been difficult with the kids all grown and they have all left the nest.  Getting older is a struggle for both of us.  Chance does fill the void, and helps with the emptiness.  I thought we were doing the right thing for the dog when we bought him into our home and lives, but I think the reverse is probably true. There's a tremendous amount of personality and vitality packed into his little body.  

Sir Chance A-Lot and Oscar resting on the couch.  They do about 15 heavyweight boxing rounds each and every day.  They can each hold their own.  I have been wanting to videotape them, but when I get the camera of course it stops.  They sure look peaceful, proper and gentle in this picture.  If only!  These two bullies wear me out.

Oscar, AKA fat cat came to us three years ago.  He belonged to our daughter and her boyfriend.  Oscar is from Fort McMurray, Alberta.  Our daughter came home for a break and of course, the cat came too.  She lived home for a bit before her return to Alberta, and Oscar stayed behind with us.  There was no way I was willing to let him leave and go back to living in an apartment, being alone when he really liked living here in this zoo.  I guess it's time for me to be honest, here it is:  I like the Fat Cat.  There, I said it!  Oscar has become a great companion for Chance.  They sleep together when no one is looking.  

I am a good boy!

I am the better boy!  

Chance is curled up on my bed pillows waiting for me to join him.  He's keeping a close eye on me at the moment.  He is like a child in some ways, he appears to be so innocent, especially when asleep.  How can this innocent little dog be so disruptive?  He is the center of the universe, or so he believes; therefore all things must revolve around him.  The consequences for not following this golden rule are never pretty.  Slippers, toys (never his), shoes, always the right foot, and whatever he can find is his to do whatever he desires.  

November 23rd of last year after Chance was with us for just 6 weeks we had him neutered and he needed a tooth pulled.  Our daughter was home to visit as it was my birthday and her Dad was recovering from a stroke.  Chance was a great comfort to me at that time.  

He was totally stressed out and when we got  him home and I had to take him to bed, lay between the sheets and cuddle and sing to him until he relaxed enough to go to sleep.  We both needed to relax at that point.  Poor baby!  

Sir Chance A-Lot must know that today is Halloween.  He is not into treating, but tricking seems to be the choice of the day.  His Dad's new slippers just got the insoles ripped out.  You can't turn your back for a second.  I swear, it is like having a toddler tearing into everything.  I must say that on the positive side he does find objects that I thought were long lost. If only he'd find my special earrings that I put away so I wouldn't lose them, and now I can't remember where they are stashed.  That would be awesome!  

His original owners had named him Champ.  Indeed he had to be a champ to survive, however I didn't like it.  We quickly renamed him  Chance, then it was Second Chance and of course it evolved to Sir Chance A-Lot, as he requires many many chances.  

In spite of all of his antics, it is difficult to remain upset with him.  I know it's an old cliche, but it is appropriate:  those big brown eyes are the window to his soul.  I know that he doesn't deliberately try to rock the boat, he just can't help himself.  No impulse control. 

Chance is very loving and needs to be reassured at all times.  His Dad rubs his head for hours as Chance lays belly up enjoying all of the attention.  At first, he would duck if a hand went over his head. He has become loyal, loving and protective of us.  

Little Chance sure knew he was on trial and was the absolutely perfect dog for 2 weeks.  He held our hearts in his paws by day 4, and he knew.  Once the OK was given that he had a new home and a loving family Chance showed us his true little self.  

He suffers from separation anxiety, and becomes extremely upset when one of us in not in his immediate sight.  Chance loves to chew and destroy everything he can sink his teeth into.  He has a hankering for cat pooh to boot, and of course horse pooh when we visit our son and his girlfriend who live next door.  They have two horses, so there's plenty of pooh over there.  YUCK!  So many problems to try to correct.  What an adventure!  How can one little dog have so many issues?  I guess it is all part of the abuse he suffered.  

Chance was rescued from an abusive home.  Before he was 6  months old his front leg was broken and left to heal on its own which left him with a permanent twist and limp. He was brutally beaten and left to starve.  Even his teeth were not spared.  Thankfully, this puppy was taken and put into foster care. 

He ended up with us for a 2 week trial to see how he would fit into this family.  At the time we had Maggie, our 11 year old Great Dane, 2 cats Oscar and Mamma respectively.  Our son and his girlfriend who also lived with us had Rein, a female Wheaten, and Abby, a female Boston Terrier.  Our home was pretty full.  But with room in our hearts we could manage another dog, our first "little" dog. 

Maggie's 8th birthday

Oscar, AKA Fat Cat

Mamma Cat 

Rein

Abby

Oscar in the snow (had to add this)

Sir Chance A-Lot

Sir Chance A-Lot came to live with us on October 10, 2011.  Ironically it was Thanksgiving weekend.  He was 12 months old.