The Chimney Sweep Online Fireplace, Woodstove, Gas Stove and Barbecue Shop
The Chimney Sweep Online Fireplace, Woodstove, Gas Stove and Barbecue Shop
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Wanting nothing but the best for Walter in their early years together, Tom engaged the services of an International Gold Medal-winning obedience trainer, who spent many expensive hours with Tom and Walter before finally giving up on the idea entirely, stating that Tom was completely untrainable, and that Walter, while willing in his affable manner to try to learn, had unfortunately been born with the retention capacity of a bowl of oatmeal. In years since, Walter has battled valiantly to disprove this opinion, and has in fact mastered two tricks: the Anchor, wherein he lumbers up to perfect strangers and promptly sits down on one of their feet, and Love Hurts, wherein he strokes his 120-pound frame against people's legs, cat-style, until he knocks them down.
Things We Can Learn From Walter Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride. When loved ones come home, always greet them with enthusiasm. Take naps and stretch before rising. Run, romp and play daily. Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Be loyal. If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it. Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy. When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently. Thrive on attention and let people touch you. On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree. Never pretend to be something you're not. When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body. No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout...run right back and make friends. Delight in the simple joy of a long walk. Accept praise for a job well done.* * 'Things we can learn' translated from Walterese by fellow Sweeps Bart & Lesa Ogden The Chimney Sweep, Inc.
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The product of several generations of indiscriminate breeding, Walter came to us when still a tiny puppy, via some
friends of Tom's who found him wandering the streets (Walter, not Tom). Perhaps due to having been an abandoned puppy,
Walter would cry whenever he was left alone, so Tom decided to bring him to work "for the first few days", until he became
accustomed to the kennel at his new home. The customers loved Walter, and he loved them, and Tom didn't really have the
heart to shut the little guy up in a kennel anyway, so........... eight years and 110 pounds later, Walter still comes to work every
day, where his legions of adoring fans spoil him with cookies and butt-scratches (having been born with virtually no neck,
Walter is physically unable to nibble at that haven of doggie delirium located at the point where back meets tail; while other
dogs may gnaw away at this pleasure zone at their merest whim, Walter is entirely reliant upon the kindness of strangers).
