Alex and Chico

I introduced Alexander as an eight-week old Boston puppy in my earlier posting: “Memories of Riley and Luci”. Living in Thousand Palms without Riley and Luci we focused more attention on Alex. Without Riley to play with Alex had become even more hyperactive. So we hired a trainer to school Alex, my wife, and me. The trainer was much more successful with Alex than with my wife and me. Alex received a diploma. If I had been grading, Evelyn and I would have received failing grades.

For some reason it seemed that we needed to get a playmate for Alex. Being fond of Bostons we scoured the web and came across Boston Brigade Rescue. They had a Boston mix who, at the time, was undergoing intensive veterinary care. We filled out the adoption questionnaire and agreed to wait. After several weeks the folks from Boston Brigade Rescue showed up with Chico. While they conducted a facilities check to assure that it was a safe and secure place, Chico managed to crawl under the back gate and take off across the golf course. It took about twenty minutes to retrieve Chico. I immediately blocked the hole under the gate.

Although Chico was fairly thin with his ribs showing he was, and still is, a remarkably handsome dog. He and Alex hit it off well from the start. They are very well matched, both weighing about twenty-five pounds. They played and romped with no sign of aggression, not even over the food dish.

Although Alex had been something of an escape artist, together Alex and Chico were amazing. With the front door open only slightly, they would both dash between ones legs and take off across the golf course. In one such instance it took almost three hours, until about 1:00 AM, to retrieve them. We have become much more careful so they rarely escape these days.

Alex and Chico have distinctly different personalities. Alex is somewhat aloof, only occasionally seeking attention. Chico, on the other hand, is very needy. He constantly seeks attention and frequently jumps into my lap. Alex is a glutton. He will eat anything and everything. Chico is a very picky eater, frequently eating grass and then upchucking. Contrary to what I would have expected, Alex submits to PediPaws (sanding down his toenails) while Chico will have none of it. Alex loves to play in the water. Chico does not.

So here we have another chapter in the lives of the Beatie pets. When next we visit I shall introduce Lil Maya.

Bob Beatie