After spending 4 months working in Hong Kong, I finally went home last April. I was excited to see everyone especially Harvey. Not only that, Mitch told me that he had a surprise, a sort of homecoming present. Everyone at the house was trying hard to keep it from me. I sensed it wasn't food and it wasn't an object I wanted either. I felt it was a dog. And my hunch was right, it was a cute male pomeranian.
Mitch generally knew I love dogs and this pomeranian badly needed a home. He was a fearful and very small pomeranian from his aunt's breeding farm in Batangas. Mitch said that this particular puppy was a loner and had to fight to get his share of food. Sometimes he wouldn't get any. Mitch's mom said that pomeranians are extremely territorial and ill-tempered. They are choosy with people and if they hate you, they'll make it known. But this pomeranian was cute and quiet, nothing like the makings of what pomeranians are known for, snobbish, noisy and obnoxious. So Mitch picked him up and drove all the way from his aunt's place to Paranaque.
Seeing the little pomeranian for the first time, my heart melted. Though I generally like dogs, toy dogs are not my type. Mitch told me to assess if I'm willing enough to take care of him, if not he could always find someone else. The important part is to give him a pleasant home. I knew right then that I couldn't say no. I felt he was here for a reason and he deserved to be here.
I knew I wouldn't have problems taking care of the little pomeranian. His size is very manageable and he is a low energy dog. So far, he didn't cause any headaches in a new environment. But I was worried for Harvey. He was my primary concern. Harvey's always been our baby and gets all the attention. Though he might be friendly, he might react badly if the dog would stay with us permanently.
Just as expected, when Harvey came in, he did his usual observation. He went to the little pomeranian and sniffed him. He looked at us and we waited for his reaction. Fortunately, he didn't go mad or anything. He's this cultured jack russell terrier, but for some reason, he knew he'd be sharing his family with the new dog. He accepted it somehow, but we knew he felt bad.
He turned his back on us.
I didn't realize a dog could actually snob but everyone in my family saw. It didn't take a genius to know that he was in a way hurt. But Jack Russells are generally friendly dogs who know how to share. We are confident that we raised Harvey very well. So in a few hours, they became well acquainted and ever since friends. We immediately found the opportunity to bring them out in shopping trips together and they share the same sleeping territory. Since then it's been a harmonious living experience.
As for his original name, his breeder named him Allan. I didn't feel it was quite appropriate with his regal structure and temperament. Mitch wanted to name him Nathan, but I didn't think he was the dog-next-door type either. I was pulling my brains out when my sister volunteered to sort of make him her own. Knowing how flamboyant and extroverted my sister is, she's the one who'd love toy dogs, particularly pomeranians. I remembered she even wanted to get one before.
She took the little pomeranian in her arms and in less than 5 minutes, she named him
Chivas, short for Chivas Regal, her favorite drink. I smiled and felt that the name was right. Nobody objected. And since then, the little Pomeranian acquired a more appropriate name and got himself a loving home. Upon hearing this dog's name, my dad laughed, shook his head and told us we were insane.
Chivas is our pretty, protective dog who is a master at using his adorable looks for affection. He almost always wins. He is more of a guard dog than the three outdoor dogs that we have and he has a marathon win under his belt.
