----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, December 08, 2002 2:18
PM
Subject: [RC] Rhodesian Ridgebacks
I took my first *real* 1/2 day off in almost 2 months
today, and <gasp> rode Gavilan! Yes, it's true, I really rode and had a
nice 2 hour trek through the mountains... after hearing about others
adventures daily, it was a real treat.
The other treat was the companionship of Riley, my
rescued Rhodesian Ridgeback. I adopted Riley, a handsome, muscular 5 year old
male, the same day I had to put my good dog, Sammy down, on September
24th. Riley came swathed in caveats and disclaimers, was offered for rescue
with many warnings, more than in usual for a rescued dog, and we've worked
through most of his aloofness and fear based aggression to uncover a
delightfully affectionate and warm puppy, and I suspect that it was a
side he hadn't had a chance to express as a young show dog...
all in all, he's 95% perfect - the 5% will always be worrisome... Sammy
spoiled me, and given the chance, Riley will keep me spoiled.
I love this hound.. I chose Ridgebacks after talking
to Lari Shea, who bred them and raved about them. I ride in the
Mendocino mountains, have back-door access to many miles on private
trails and roads. Not only is this land remote and beautiful, it's the
home to mountain lions & bears, so I won't ride too far without the
company of a Riley or another rider. Riley stays near by, doesn't chase
the deer or game, can easily keep up with out gallops and canters, and
his presence is very reassuring to Gavilan.
I talked to my rescue contact last week; she says
there 7 ridgebacks available for adoption in Northern California...
Lari Shea has raved about these hounds for years, and if you're interested in
giving yourself a wonderful Christmas Present... check out the web site.
http://www.ridgeback.org/html/dogs_available.html
Cheers - Linda
Linda Cowles
Horse 'N
Hound
New, Consigned &
Used Tack
9155 North State St. #13,
Redwood Valley, CA 95470
EASY access with Hwy 101
frontage!
Shop:
707-485-0347
Fax: 707-485-0453
