For many years I lived in a local area known as Columbia Beach.
There, living within our neighbourhood, were scores of dogs whose owners walked their prized pooches past our home daily. Each night, about an hour after dinner, I would look forward to seeing my wonderful neighbours Pat and Inger and their amazing dog Polly, a Belgium breed known as a Schipperke, strolling by.
Sadly Pat, an amazingly kind and community-minded gentlemen, passed away recently, so I dedicate this month’s column to his memory and all of those who were so fortunate to have known him.
Having moved into Parksville a few years ago I now have an opportunity to meet a new neighbourhood of dogs and their owners. Walking back from my mailbox my eyes gazed upon a breed I knew well from my Columbia Beach days. I had to make a double take as it was Polly’s twin, a Schipperke known as Daisy.
It brought back so many lovely memories it was only fitting that I feature Daisy, owned by my neighbour Laurel. Per usual, when I meet a dog and its owner I get the go ahead that indeed it is safe and comfortable to interact and get closer. Like Polly, Daisy is so lovable and bright. In a short time, she is bouncing around back and forth sharing happy little barks and gleeful yelps.
No wonder I named this column Barking Buddies.
The Schipperke has been around since the late 1600s with mention of this type of dog in writings as far back as the 15th century and they made their way to North America approximately 1900.
It’s not etched in stone how they got their name, as “schip” is Flemish for boat and “scheper” is Flemish for shepherd.
On one hand, they resemble a miniature version of the Belgian shepherd but they also had a huge presence helping out the boatman travelling between Antwerp ad Brussels. There, like many small dog breeds who are very talented “ratters”, they were able to get into small crevices and holes to drive away the rats that would come out of the water and onto the barges. Even as a pet they are super adventurous and very smart.
They are always black in colour and have a very coarse, straight coat, vital for keeping them warm in wet climates. Owners should brush them at least once a week and more so when they shed.
They can be quite noisy and yes probably “nosy” if you are rat trying to hide. When she’s behind her dog gate on her patio she lets any passerby know she’s there for sure.
I think she is saying to me personally, “Hey you, we played on the grass field a while ago can we do that again, please.” Yes, you see, they are polite, too.
So, there she is Daisy, so lovable and happy, how could I not write about her, after all, this flower loves all daisies!
Bill Flower is an avid dog lover and proud Parksville resident.
