Coyote Ugly

Well it appears Wiley's previous owners were completely wrong about him being part coyote. The trainer (who is a pro at spotting such things as dog breeds) took one look at him and said, "oh, looks like he's part Basenji!"

Of course, I was intrigued, and went online to check it out. Sure enough, he has all of the habits and personality of purebreed Basenjis and Basenji/shepherd mixes, as well as the gait, facial features, build and bizarre "yodeling" vocalizations.

In a way, it's kind of a relief - I mean, there was a certain "cool factor" telling people Wiley was a coydog, but there were plenty of people who would give us an apprehensive sidelong glance when they heard the "coyote" part of "coydog". The Basenji is an African guard/hunting breed utilized in Egypt long ago (and will no doubt have some jackal in their lineage). They are really smart on their own, but mix them with the German shepherd and you get a canine Mensa candidate who will tie your shoelaces together when you're not looking.

I appreciate the comments of support I get, both on the blog and in email. But if you want to comment about another blog I link to, please don't post it here. There's no need to get catty about someone else and create yet more internet drama. As Brad said in Fast Times at Ridgemont High, "Read it. Learn it. Live it."

And speaking of Fast Times, here's an amusing short on iFilm for all you comic book geeks...