Hugo
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My wife has a soft spot for dogs. No, that is an understatement. She has an extremely soft spot for dogs. Particularly, the abandoned or abused pet dogs. So when one of her friends told her about how a neighbor (her friend's neighbor) was abusing a dog and how it seemed like they didn't want that dog (anymore), my wife and Mrs. Ng decided to "rescue" that dog.
They (my wife and Mrs. Ng) asked my permission, and I didn't mind, as our house is big enough to accommodate one more dog (we already have three dogs). And I was under the impression that they were talking about a small puppy.
So imagine my surprise, when, on Friday evening, a huge animal ran towards me as I parked the car. Words like "Holy Shit!" immediately came to my mind as I stepped out of the car and saw the beast.
Yes, our "new family member" is a Siberian Husky, and a "special breed among Siberian Huskies." The American Kennel Club refers to Siberian Husky as "a medium-sized working dog." And yes, normally, Siberian Huskies are supposed to be medium-sized. But not this fella. Even in his own pedigree, he is supposed to be the odd one. Like say, the Arnold Schwarzenegger among Siberian Husky dogs who is totally dependent on steroids.
For starters, I noticed that our "new family member" is almost three feet tall. Therefore, automatically disqualified according to American Kennel Club. American Kennel Club's standards insist that a Siberian Husky should not be over 23.5 inches. Else, he is disqualified. While AKC doesn't talk about the length, here is a rough measurement of our new "sad and abused" friend: He is almost 4.5 feet long (excluding tail). And while I was talking about the height (almost three feet tall); I was measuring the fella from ground to his withers. Throw in his long neck, face, and sharp-pointed ears; you are talking about a dog that is 3.5 feet tall, at the least.
We have a big dog - Beethoven, a German Shepherd. But this beast is taller and bigger than Beethoven is. Are we having fun yet?
Of course, our house is big enough to accommodate "the (new) beast" (I prefer to call him that). And I told my wife that perhaps, her friend's neighbor was abusing him or abandoning him because their (the friend's neighbor's) house would be one of those average apartments (800 ~ 1000 sq. ft. you see all over Hong Kong). Throw in the furniture and stuff in such a small apartment; and the beast would hardly have any space to stretch his legs. No wonder they were fed up with him.
In any case, the ugly wound on the beast's back (midway near the spinal cord), was proof enough that his previous owners abused him and wanted to get rid of him. But why would they do that to such a handsome (yes, the beast does look handsome and has peculiar eyes - a unique mark of Siberian Husky - one blue and one brown eye) but abnormally huge dog (even by normal Siberian Husky standards)?
It took me only five minutes to "Google" and find out the reason(s): Obedient Attitude - NOT! (Read the entire page. Definitely disheartening. Even for a big-dog lover like me). And, "So... You Want a Siberian Husky?"
My wife and Mrs. Ng were a bit disheartened after I told them what we were looking at (the new beast). But the soft spot in their hearts did not melt, and they kept telling me how I, the best trainer of dogs in the world (yes, I have trained many dogs and I too love dogs), would be able to overcome all the hurdles and train the beast. Wishful thinking? Yes! But it's a challenge to my credibility as well.
"What should we call him?" my wife asked. The previous owners called him 'Dai Kau' (which, in Cantonese, means 'big dog'. And aptly so). I thought for a while and said, "Hugo!" Everyone, including my wife, kids, Mrs. Ng, and the maids liked that name. So well, now he is Hugo.
Anyway, the main reason I wrote this post is mostly related to the fact that I might not be able to update (though I will update the models) See Lai and Nude King often (for a week or so). As whatever free time I have, will be occupied in training Hugo.
In fact, during the last two days, I have spent all my time with Hugo. And he is young, energetic, strong, and full of stamina. Whereas I am old, tired, and lazy. So we aren't like-minded buddies, but I have managed to teach him three commands in two days - "Sit," "Stay," and "Shut Up!" Yes, Siberian Huskies believe they are gifted singers, and they constantly make some noise (Read the "Noise" part in the second link [above]: 'Obedient Attitude - NOT').
Somehow, Hugo has realized that I don't think he is Luciano Pavarotti (who, I believe, is equally irritating and noisy). And for now, Hugo is willing to let-go his temptation of entertaining me. More later, when I have some time.
Note: Sorry about the poor quality of pictures. Hugo doesn't like to sit (or stand) still, not even for one second. Yes, I am tired! I really don't know who is more "sad and abused." Hugo or me?
Cheers!
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