A PLAIN FOR THE DISTANCE: The Doberman Experience

Exactly 3 years ago on Havelock Island, India, I met Spike. A crab-hunting, fish curry eating doberman who's affection I won through a daily supply of biscuits and cakes. Whenever my girlfriend and I arrived at the bamboo, beachside shack on our little Honda scooter he was always on hand to welcome us back and ready to accompany us on a beach stroll i.e. crab hunt. Over the two weeks there, we were together at the beach every day and when it came time to leave, my heart was broken. It was a teary backpacker that got into the departing tuk tuk. A month later and back home, we contacted the owner of the bamboo shacks to ask about Spike only to discover that he had died. Another guest had placed poison outside his hut to kill the rats which plagued the resort and Spike had inadvertently eaten some...

Sam 2011

The news was a shock and saddening but it actually had a positive side. Until then, I'd always been worried about taking on the responsibility of a dog but the news of Spike's death made me think "fuck it"...

Now, a couple of years later, we have 3 large, hairy and slightly crazy dogs, one of them a doberman called Sam. With him in mind, here are a few points to keep in mind if you're thinking about taking on four hairy legs!

Creatures of Comfort

Theoretically dogs can sleep anywhere, but then so can you. Would you prefer to sleep on a cold floor or in a comfy bed? Your dog will likely make the same decision, except if we're talking about a husky, then you need ice cubes and an open fridge door...

Adaptability

Despite the husky comment before, dogs are happy in every climate. Our dogs (husky included) came with us to the beach when it was 40C, all three enjoy eating the snow when it arrives and they're especially happy in Spring & Autumn when covered in mud.

Playtime

All dogs need to play but if you're looking for a quieter four-legged friend then maybe a doberman isn't for you. ;)

Doberbat

Socks are Never Safe

I don't know if this applies to all dogs but socks, shoes or anything else that you happen to put on your feet will never be safe again. Many a morning I've been getting ready for work only to discover that one sock is missing and so is Sam...