Wrinky

Wrinky (a.k.a. Wrinkles) came to my house late one foggy night.
He had been accused of biting a little girl who was riding on his
back and was surrendered because of the incident.

He came as a foster dog, but he had not even crossed the threshold,
when I said, "I'll take him". His gentle demeanor (a cross between a Shar Pei and a
hound of some sort) and his soft, soulful eyes, melted my resolve not to
have another dog. I now owned 80 pounds of dog. I had yet to learn what a
smart, loving, and wonderful animal I had.

He let out a quiet whimper when the adoption agents left, but I asked him
if he wanted to see the house and meet Catty. He followed me from room
to room and then settled down on the bed he came with....He gave Catty
a wary eye but promptly fell asleep.

The next morning, he came into my room and I let him outside, brought him
in to feed, and then took him for a run in the woods. He stayed with me.
I threw a stick and he became ecstatic. We played and then I tested him to
see whether he would come when called. He scored 100%.

He sat next to me in the car and put his head on my shoulder. I was hooked.
I fell in love with him again. He knows all his commands. He seems to love all
kinds of animals. He does not have a mean bone in his body. He is an excellent
watch dog. Shar Peis have been bred to be guard dogs.

I honestly try not to spoil him. And I must remember to make him use the
commands he knows. I laugh at so many things he does and I love the
exchanges between him and Catty. Catty is rather jealous but he
can't resist playing with Wrinky. Every morning I pick up couch
pillows scattered during their night maneuvers. I just love the
sound of his thumping feet as he chases Catty. Catty lies on his
back as if to say "Game over. You win." Wrinky seems to kiss
his face and the play continues.

Jill Wagner