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| Humphrey, means "peaceful warrior" from the Germanic elements hun "warrior, bear cub" and frid "peace". |
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He was food and water frenzied when I got him home, but now seems to have settled a bit whenever food is presented. I ask him to sit before placing the food bowl down. He will share food with my two Airedales. At first, he craved and became excited when he smelled coffee and/or soda; that has been diminished with proper feeding, but something for his new owner to know, as he has knocked over two glasses once he smelt the soda.
I have watched him play outside in the yard and here in the living room -- and have not seen him lose balance as with the diagnosis above. When excited, his head will bob like he's panting -- but he does not open his mouth. He has not fallen over and acts like a typical growing Airedale who is learning how to run and romp. He has been attempting to play 'bitey face' with Wilson, my one-year-old ‘dale, but it seems to be frustrating to him, as he either can't see and/or latch on with his mouth. Play is stopped when he seems to be getting frustrated, and a toy is replaced for the remaining play. He does give lopsided kisses, which are both endearing and funny. He opens his mouth as if to bite, but then licks with his tongue. While it's part of his 'special needs' -- his lopsided puppy kisses are very cute. His disability has not affected the typical Airedale jump -- as I've watched him jump up on the back door and also on our fence gate.
He came with no dog toys, so he's been happily playing with the ones here, and he does share nicely. There have been games of 'tug' between him and the older ‘dale, and no serious aggression issues.
He was terrified of stairs, and it took about three-days of coaching to get him to go down them properly -- even a smaller 'stoop' out my front door. (The couple advised me that they lived on the third floor of a house, and 'took him down the stairs to go outside.' With his fear, I can only imagine what transpired.) His tail is now happily upright during his trek down the stairs and outside in the yard.)
He is as smart as a whip. He has learned to sit inside the door when coming in for a paw wipe and a treat. I've used the term 'house' for his crate, and he happily trots from the kitchen through the house to his crate. He sleeps on his back. :) He's simply 'Aire-doreable!'
The picture of Marty holding Humphrey about a month after they adopted him really helped me realize that Humphrey is in the right home. Humphrey is a counter-surfer and also is slowly but surely taking over all of the furniture.
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He was born late June of this year. He was given away free “to a good home,” but the couple who took him was financially unable to keep him. He has no AKC papers because of his “special needs.”
Let me say that as I spoke to the owner on the phone, I became very concerned when she said "third floor of a house" -- "small room that he has to live in" -- and "he's already drinking out of the toilet..." He's not tall enough to put his head in a toilet -- and must have been extremely thirsty. She did say he had 'extreme diarrhea' the week previously. That's why I went and got him as soon as I could -- I was afraid for him. She was sitting in the grass with him, and his tail was between his legs before I approached -- he was not a typical bouncy Airedale puppy.
I had noticed his “Clydesdale” gait, and how his little head would sometimes bob up and down. He also seemed to have trouble finding a treat held in your fingers, and would bob upwards and/or downwards trying to find it. He sometimes drops treats from his mouth, but uses his nose to find them, as if he can't look down and see. The vet examined his eyes and called in another vet for her opinion. His eyes are fine, but they believe it's his head placement and/or non-movement of his eyes that cause him to [have to] hunt for treats. (I've made a game out of this for him by placing treats hidden in his crate in and under his blanket.) The diagnosis was: Cerebellar Hypoplasia and here is a link:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cerebellar_hypoplasia_%28non-human%29
The vet noticed his head bob, but if you aren't looking for it, it's not noticeable, unless he's scared or excited. Then it's like a “panting” head bob, but with his mouth closed. This bobbing is very noticeable after he's awaken from a nap -- it's almost as if when he gets excited, his head bobs.
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From his adopted mother:
My husband and I weren't in a place to bring an addition into our home, being only a year since Blue passed away, but our hearts knew there was more than enough for Humphrey. Our senior, Tobie, is an adopted Sheltie and Harlie, our 6 year old Airedale, is Alpha, but she and Humpf are playing bitey face and actually sharing beds
His disability makes him all the more endearing! Going for walks his head is held high with ears perked. His nose is into everything new.
My nickname for him is Humpf. He is my Heff of the Airedale world!
Like any Airedale, they do have a bear like quality. Bears look cuddly and approachable. Yet you know they will protect strongly. Humphrey would do that. There are times when he will feel or hear something he is unsure of and will yell out his, (it is actually a BuhAaaaorrrroooo) warrior warning. And he definitely has a champion stance when watching his sitter Airedale survey the kingdom to assure those nasty squirrels are at bay.
When it comes to my heart, Humphrey has melted it to a puddle. In his most infinite wisdom he knows that. Our story began very rough and I have many head strong scars to prove it. I truly was at wits end. But something broke and we became a pair. I think of him and my heart melts. Even my husband has been mesmorized by his courage, insistence, and such unconditional love.
He is Loyal, Smart, Brave, and Loving! He is our Peaceful Warrior! I wish I could create a family crest for him now that I know the history of his name.
Mommy of Humphrey
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The Quilting Bee Ladies are so please that Coco has a wonderful home thanks to the hard work of Airedale Rescue.
Don't forget to bookmark these pages and return here daily to read about another Airedale that has been rescued or may need a new home.
Who will be "I"... check back tomorrow
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