Mountain Views News          Saturday, February 28, 2015

10

JUST FOR BEST FRIENDS

Mountain Views-News Saturday, February 28, 2015

I never cease to be amazed by the endless variety 
of personalities I come across in my daily walk of 
life. Think about it…With every person you meet 
on the street, comes a totally unique personality! 
No two are exactly the same. In college I took 
every psychology class they had to offer, and what 
I learned is that I truly enjoy studying human 
behavior. Maybe that’s why I tend to pay such 
close attention to people in public; the manner in 
which they express themselves, and the way they 
interact truly intrigues me. Perhaps one of my own 
personality traits is a strong drive to figure out 
what makes other people tick. 

 At the time when I was taking all those 
psychology classes, my intention was to pursue a 
career in social work. But as fate would have it, my 
life took a different path. Regardless of the career 
I ultimately pursued (which happens to have been 
construction management), I can honestly say my 
psychology coursework by no means went to waste. 
Not only do I enjoy learning from the behavior 
of my fellow humans, but I get a real kick out of 
analyzing the actions of my furry, four-legged 
friends as well. I find it so stimulating to sit and 
ponder the potential reasons why individuals do 
what they do.

 Many psychology professionals who started 
out studying humans, later turned their focus 
toward the psychology of other species. Several 
have shared the results of their research in various 
articles and books and I must say those are among 
my most treasured readings. These days, more than 
ever, I endeavor to learn as much as I can about my 
canine companions. The more I understand why 
they do what they do, the better chances I have 
of connecting with them. We have all heard the 
saying, “Ignorance is bliss“, but when it comes to 
interpersonal relationships, I think we can agree 
that that cliché does not apply. The less ignorance 
we have about another being, the more likely we 
are to empathize and get along with them.

 Among my many four-footed friends, there 
is one pup who has had a particularly positive 
impact on me. Please don’t get me wrong. I love 
them all, but the one who is the subject of this 
Happy Tail has captured my heart in a very special 
way. There is just something about Zola that can 
always make my day. She has such a big heart and 
a uniquely kind, calming spirit that she share with 
me abundantly. If I am having a tough day, feeling 
tense or edgy when I arrive to take her for a walk, 
I find myself completely at ease by the time I leave. 
Who doesn’t want to tap in on that temperate trait?

 Zola is a 110-pound, 6 1/2-year-old Great 
Pyrenees with a beautiful, bountifully thick snow-
white coat and big dark brown eyes highlighted 
with lush lashes and natural permanent black 
eye-liner. Indeed, she is a sight to see, but the 
thing I love most about Zola is that, in spite of her 
enormous stature she exudes total serenity to all 
whom she comes in contact with. I‘m just saying, 
that gorgeous girl is the ultimate gentle giant! She 
is so large, most people who meet her say she looks 
like a bear! Given the potential damage she could 
do with those daunting teeth of hers, and with the 
way I have seen her move so swiftly when she plays, 
it says a lot of good about her personality to watch 
her interact so peacefully with other dogs and 
people when we are out and about.

 I don’t typically compare my 
canine companions one to another, 
but I don’t mind comparing Zola 
to one of my own precious pets. As 
you can imagine, my dogs are like 
my children and I give them all 
the due respect they deserve, so I 
wouldn’t want what I am about to 
say to be taken in the wrong way.

 My bloodhound, Tater (God 
rest her soul) was a major part of 
my life and I miss her dearly. I still 
have a tough time talking about her 
without getting a lump in my throat and tears in my 
eyes. I think Tater had a wonderful personality. She 
had a great sense of humor and showed me loads 
of love and affection. However, Tater could be very 
unpredictable when it came to interacting with 
others. I did everything I could to teach her better 
manners. I wanted her to be a more agreeable, 
predictable character so she could socialize openly 
in public, but it simply wasn‘t meant to be. Just 
when I thought it was OK to allow her the leash 
length to get closer to a stranger, she would often 
surprise us all with a sudden snap or growl. To this 
day, I don’t know why she behaved that way. Some 
say it has to do with in-breeding, but I don’t know 
for sure.

 So, in comparing Zola to Tater, there were several 
similarities, physically speaking. As far as size and 
weight are concerned, they were nearly exact. Tater 
even had big brown eyes like Zola dies. However, 
similarities ended with regard to social behavior. 
Zola is very predictable when we meet and greet 
others on the street. Whereas, Tater could not be 
trusted with stranger, human or canine without 
being closely monitored and held tightly tethered. 
Interestingly enough, however, Tater was always 
gentle with kittens. Who knows why, but one thing 
is for sure; It’s all about personality. Just like we 
humans, canines are individuals, each possessing 
their own behavioral tendencies, and the bottom 
line is, Zola seems to possess the inherent desire to 
calm the spirit of others, and that is a true blessing!

 I never have to worry about whether Zola will 
go after someone who happens to be passing by. 
She approaches slowly and humbly, offering a soft 
floppy ear or her forehead for a quick pet or pat. I 
am sure that if Zola sensed danger, she would react 
appropriately by avoiding contact, and I think that 
is a desirable trait in a dog. We humans are not 
able to sense invisible danger the way a canine can. 
But it is equally important for a dog to socialize 
comfortably in the absence of danger and Zola is 
the epitome of that personality type. It seems her 
desire is simply to love and be loved. She doesn’t let 
her insecurities (as if she had any) get in the way of 
having a good time. She makes it fun for everyone 
to be around her, and I am so pleased to know her. 
I can’t help attributing some of Zola’s sweet spirit 
to the unconditional love she receives from her 
human, Lisa Gamber. But her personality most 
definitely plays a big part in her having such a kind 
heart.

 We all need to learn how to focus more on the 
good traits we observe in others, both human 
and canine, and in my opinion there is no better 
teacher than a gentle, giant, kind and loving dog 
like Zola, who teaches lessons through her own 
example. She has taught me so much about the art 
of relaxing, socializing, enjoying the moment and 
stopping to smell the roses. Thank you, Miss Zola, 
you beautiful gentle giant, for just being yourself. I 
hope I can learn to be more like you some day.


LOOKING FOR A BEST FRIEND??

To share your life with? Muffin 
is a beautiful miniature pinscher 
mix, estimated to be about 4 
years old, weighing around 15 
pounds. Muffin has a sleek, short 
black coat with brown highlights. 
Her grooming requirements are 
quite simple – just an occasional 
bath and brushing will keep her 
looking and feeling her best.

 Muffin was surrendered to 
the shelter by an owner who was 
no longer able to care for her. 
When she first arrived, Muffin 
seemed lost and confused, and 
was shy and insecure in her 
first interactions with staff and 
volunteers. But she adjusted 
remarkably well within a week or 
two, and now greets visitors with a happy bark when 
they walk by her kennel.

 Muffin has a medium energy level and is easy 
to handle on leash. She enjoys going for walks 
and socializing with other dogs, as well as people. 
Muffin has become a friendly girl who enjoys pets 
and attention. Once she gets to know you, she just 
might jump into your lap to give you a kiss or two. 

 Muffin gets along well with her kennel mate, 
and would probably be happy sharing a home with 
another dog. She has the energy 
to be a great walking or running 
companion, but she can also 
enjoy some quiet relaxation 
time with her family. This sweet 
girl deserves to have a home to 
call her own where she can feel 
safe and secure. She has a lot 
of unconditional love to share 
in return. Muffin is patiently 
waiting to find her forever family 
– maybe it is with you? Please 
come in to meet her soon! 

 She currently resides at the San 
Gabriel Valley Humane Society 
located at 851 E. Grand Avenue 
in San Gabriel. We are located 
off San Gabriel Blvd., north of 
Mission and south of Las Tunas. 

 To arrange a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Muffin, please 
stop by any time from 10:00am to 4:30pm Tuesday 
thru Sunday. 

 Her adoption fee is $120 which includes her spay 
surgery, a microchip, first vaccinations and a free 
wellness check-up at a participating veterinarian. 
Feel free to call us at (626) 286-1159 for more 
information on Muffin. 

 See our website at www.sgvhumane.org for 
information and photos of all our available pets. 


Happy Tails

by Chris Leclerc


DogWalking & Sitting ServicesSierraMadre, Californiawww.canyoncanine.comchris@canyoncanine.comChris LeclercCanyonCanine626-355-8333 626-533-9536CCConCaCanyonCanineCanineeeieCCChris LeclercChris Leclercae,
chris@canyoncanine.com.canyoncanine.comwwwnCaSierraMadrare, CaliforCaalking&SonDogWWalking & Sitting ServicesonCa626-355-8333 62onCayeclercinnia6-533-95362eclerccanine.comanine.comani,CaliforirnanineSittingServiceseaninee
PET OF THE WEEK Heathcliff: Animal ID #A4800408

Meet Heathcliff, a sweet and 
handsome boy that would 
make an awesome companion! 
Heathcliff (A4800408) is a 
cheerful and charming 3-year-
old brown neutered male 
Tibetan Spaniel and Papillon 
mix who was found in Walnut 
on February 14th and brought to 
the Baldwin Park Animal Care 
Center. Weighing 14 sprightly 
lbs, Heathcliff is a happy and 
companionable boy with quite a handsome five 
o’clock shadow! He is friendly and well-mannered 
with other dogs; and he is friendly, cooperative, and 
skilled on leash with people. He has a fun, playful 
energy; but he is not overly enthusiastic or energetic. 
And he certainly knows how to relax and exchange 
cuddles. In fact, he has the adorable habit of posing 
with his paws on your lap to “ask” for pets and rubs! 
With his endearing underbite and kissy disposition, 
Heathcliff will make a real “homerun” indoor pet 
and loving companion for just about any household 
around. To watch a video of Heathcliff, please visit 
the following link: http://youtu.
be/SyrxV8MNZf0

 To meet Heathcliff in 
person, please see him at the 
Baldwin Park Shelter, located 
at 4275 N. Elton, Baldwin Park, 
CA 91706 (Phone: 626-430-2378 
or 626-962-3577). He is available 
now. For any inquiries about 
Heathcliff, please reference his 
animal ID number: A4800408. 
The shelter is open seven days a 
week, 12 pm-7 pm Monday-Thursday and 10am-5pm 
Friday-Sunday. This is a high-intake shelter with a 
great need for adoptions. For more information 
about Heathcliff or the adoption process, contact 
United Hope for Animals Volunteer Adoption 
Coordinator Samantha at Samantha@hope4animals.
org. To learn more about United Hope for Animals’ 
partnership with the Baldwin Park Shelter through 
its Shelter Support Program, as well as the many dogs 
of all breeds, ages, and sizes available for adoption in 
local shelters, visit http://www.unitedhope4animals.
org/about-us/shelter-support-program/.


Mountain Views News 80 W Sierra Madre Blvd. No. 327 Sierra Madre, Ca. 91024 Office: 626.355.2737 Fax: 626.609.3285 Email: editor@mtnviewsnews.com Website: www.mtnviewsnews.com