...let me count the ways!

I swear all I had this morning was a cup of coffee. Every other day I reward myself with a donut and a large cup of coffee (half regular and half decaf please). On the way home I asked Sonja, "Why do we like Swissy so much?" Our love for Swissys explains our dedication to their future health. First of all, they are gorgeous, with their puppy looks lasting many years. I feel almost apologetic admitting that I have learned to find comfort in their beauty since devotion to the content of their character rather than their appearance is politically correct. Fortunately, even for Swissys that do not meet the "standard" by appearing just so, there are people anxious to bring them into their homes, thank you.

Joy comes from just leaving home for a few minutes and returning to a friendly "Wooooo", a wagging tail, and a smiling face (and that’s just me, you should see what my Swissys do!). Their joy at being with us reinforces our need to be with them. That explains why Sonja and I talk about Swissys from dawn to Ted Koppel, and non-dog people find us to be the most boring two on the planet. Of course we know that Swissys do not drool, but they can get you wet when they come for a pat on the head after finishing a drink of water.

They do not smell bad, in fact they smell good. I have been known for my fetish of burying my head in their furry torso for a breath of the fresh scent more enjoyable than the hazelnut in today’s coffee. You can pet them for hours and I have been known to do that while watching television, and your hand smells as good as they do. I am glad they always want to hang around where I am, but occasionally their hot breath on my elbow makes me squirm anxiously, perhaps with guilt that I should be spending more time entertaining them.

When things seem quiet and peaceful, the unexpected Swissy clown will bounce around the room with a smile on its face eagerly trying to engage those nearby in play and diversion. Swissys love to participate in "your" activities. Your daily routine gradually becomes modified to meet their needs because just as Swissys love to do for you, you will find happiness in doing for them. They enjoy car rides, trips to the veterinarian, brushing, dog shows, carting, weight pulling (do not let them pull more than they should handle nor start too early, please), herding, obedience, walking. Start early so that you can gradually introduce yourself to their world. Waiting until they are older leaves you vulnerable to the power their exuberance creates at the sight of new things. .

Pay attention to your Swissys and they will teach you how to care for them. After a good bit of activity, a Swissy can lounge in a couch and do what dogs do best. Sometimes their quiet moments at rest are when I admire them the most. The calm they project in slumber is infectious. There is comfort knowing they are ever vigilant, although even a Swissy fails that test when they are really pooped.

Swissys are like a potato chip or a good cup of coffee, it’s hard having just one:-)

Don Schwartz, Holiday, FL