Spitzie Chin-Lo
Our Special Pekingese
She was one of the most special dogs
we were ever to have. We believe you don't own animals.
In case you don't know but Pekingese
have no sense of direction. If they get out of sight of home they are lost.
She traveled with us wherever we
went. At that time my husband was in construction and we moved a lot. We
had had her 2 years when our son was born. One day less them a month after he
was born, we were sitting outside on the porch. Our son was in his crib
sleeping, all of a sudden Spitzie started barking, running back and forth
through the door. She had never acted like that before. We decided
we better see what the matter was. Well our son had woke up and was
crying!! She was very protective and a loving mother to our children. She
kept us in line as parents!!!
About a year later we were getting
ready to move again. We were loading the station wagon, we didn't have furniture
in those days. Just the high chair and crib. I missed Spitzie, couldn't find her
anywhere in the house. I ran around the outside of the house looking and
calling her. I even ran around the block. I was so upset. My husband
said she will come back. Lets finish packing the car and then we will get in it
and look for her. If she hasn't come back by then. I reluctantly said ok.
I had to take something to the front seat of the car and lo an behold there sat
Spitzie in her place!!! She looked at me like to say I am ready what is
taking you guys so long!!!!
She was a gentle dog. The only time
she ever bit was when she was in labor. She then immediately licked my husband's
hand as if to say I am sorry. She didn't bit hard enough to even scratch the
skin. I am sorry to say the puppy she carried didn't make it. I am
sure she would have been the best mother to the puppy.
To show how gentle she was: We
brought her a rubber mouse to play with. She loved it. When she bounced on
it, it of course squeaked. Well that did it. She licked and would not
touch it again. We then took the squeaker out and then she played with it.
As with most Pekingese, Spitzie eye
sight started going. My husband's brother died and we had to fly to the
funeral. Spitzie and the children stayed with my Mother and Dad. Spitzie was at
that time 12 years of age. She laid down one night while we were gone and passed
peacefully in her sleep.
Even after 41 years we
think of her often and remember special times.
Pekingese:
A breed of toy dog known for its
abundant hair and dainty, pug like facial features, and its down-turned mouth,
which gives the breed a frowning appearance. The coat is long, straight, and
slightly harsh to the touch. Almost all colors or variety of patterns are
possible. The ears are long, feathered, and often brushed to blend with rest of
coat. The tail is long, very plumed, and carried loosely curled over back. Eyes
are large, round, and very dark. Adult stands 6-9 in. (15-23 cm) tall at
shoulders and weighs 6-14 lbs (3-6 kg). They have a very patient and loyal
demeanor.
It is believed to have originated in
China in the 8th century. revered in China as sacred by the Imperial family and
trained to follow the Emperor and carry the hem of his robe. Called also foo dog
by Chinese, who carved little replicas of these dogs out of ivory, bronze, and
wood as a way to ward off evil spirits.
Also called lion dog or sun dog
because of their abundant ruffs, resembling lion manes or the rays of the sun.
The spots on the coat are sometimes read, like tea leaves, to tell the fortunes
of people.
Of the survivors of the Titanic,
there was 2 dogs. One was a Pekingese.
In the Victorian Era a Pekingese was
as important to have as Peacocks on the lawn and Swans on the lake.
This page was first put up in 1998 I
am redoing it in 2005 with some updating.
