Deerhound love.
Pataud and Tango – Two Giants from Carcassonne
Alerted by Sue at Poor Paws I made plans for the transfer of Pataud, a Pyrenean Mountain dog, from the SPA at Carcassonne to new owner, Norma, in Normandie. The cost was quickly accepted by Norma and the journey was planned for the following week.
Alerted by Sue at Poor Paws I made plans for the transfer of Pataud, a Pyrenean Mountain dog, from the SPA at Carcassonne to new owner, Norma, in Normandie. The cost was quickly accepted by Norma and the journey was planned for the following week.
However, Norma wanted to meet me in Avranches, about an hour from her home but needed a friend to accompany her. Her friend Suzanne, also a lover of big dogs , was keen but wasn’t free for the planned time so it was decided to put it off for another week. Then, after all the plans had been made Norma was laid low by a mystery virus and, realising that she would be in no fit state to welcome such a large newcomer, let alone do all the necessary walking with him, we decided to wait yet another week.
Quickly things were re-arranged at my end. I had other jobs which were meshed in with this one and alternative arrangements had to be made for them. Then, another factor in the mix. I noticed on Evelyn’s Dog Links website that there was a Great Dane also languishing in Carcassonne and that Sharon of Le Chenille de la Dordogne was a Dane owner and lover so mentioned my visit with a view to helping 2 dogs at the same time.
Quickly things were re-arranged at my end. I had other jobs which were meshed in with this one and alternative arrangements had to be made for them. Then, another factor in the mix. I noticed on Evelyn’s Dog Links website that there was a Great Dane also languishing in Carcassonne and that Sharon of Le Chenille de la Dordogne was a Dane owner and lover so mentioned my visit with a view to helping 2 dogs at the same time.
It was decided by Sharon and the refuge that she would foster Tango (mistakenly called Target) and they agreed to get him ready to leave with Pataud. I was concerned that, with two such large dogs in the car at the same time, both too large to be in cages, it should be tried and proved that they could co-exist in the same space for several hours. At Sharon’s request Tango was castrated and at mine the two dogs were placed together in the same kennel for several days. This done the stage was set for the big move. Yet another small delay was caused when I realised that my planned descent in the direction of Carcassonne was Easter Monday and, as I always park up at routier restaurants and none open when the wagons aren’t running, my night out prior to collection was a non-starter. So, it had to be a Tuesday start for a Wednesday collection.
Thus it was that I set off south to Montauban and arrived at one of my favourite restos 4 hours later at 7pm. Half an hour later, after loading all the dog stuff, cages and bedding, onto the roof and converting my dog transporter into a comfortable couchette, I was in the bar for my first kir. While sipping that I received a sharp cuff on the back of the head and turned to find an old friend from my last firm, Gauthier, and a couple of drivers from Périgueux from a firm with whom we’d always had close connections. Some more arrived and before too long we were a grand party of 7 seated for our excellent meal. Nevertheless, all on early starts the next day, it wasn’t difficult to find myself tucked up in bed with my friend Kindle for a 10 minute read before falling fast asleep.
Up at 5 and, after a couple of petit cafés and the usual necessities including re-organising the car, I was away at 6 for the two and three-quarter hour drive to Carcassonne. I decided to take the wild and winding route over the Black Mountain from Mazamet, as the last time I passed this way it was in darkness and fog, but the normal road was closed and the diversion was even more tortuous. Nevertheless it made little difference to my time but I decided to return via Revel as I didn’t want to be throwing 2 great big dogs around in the back of the car. At the gates of the SPA I waited for several minutes for the remotely controlled gates to slide open in response to my horn and Mika and a young assistant greeted me within.
Thus it was that I set off south to Montauban and arrived at one of my favourite restos 4 hours later at 7pm. Half an hour later, after loading all the dog stuff, cages and bedding, onto the roof and converting my dog transporter into a comfortable couchette, I was in the bar for my first kir. While sipping that I received a sharp cuff on the back of the head and turned to find an old friend from my last firm, Gauthier, and a couple of drivers from Périgueux from a firm with whom we’d always had close connections. Some more arrived and before too long we were a grand party of 7 seated for our excellent meal. Nevertheless, all on early starts the next day, it wasn’t difficult to find myself tucked up in bed with my friend Kindle for a 10 minute read before falling fast asleep.
Up at 5 and, after a couple of petit cafés and the usual necessities including re-organising the car, I was away at 6 for the two and three-quarter hour drive to Carcassonne. I decided to take the wild and winding route over the Black Mountain from Mazamet, as the last time I passed this way it was in darkness and fog, but the normal road was closed and the diversion was even more tortuous. Nevertheless it made little difference to my time but I decided to return via Revel as I didn’t want to be throwing 2 great big dogs around in the back of the car. At the gates of the SPA I waited for several minutes for the remotely controlled gates to slide open in response to my horn and Mika and a young assistant greeted me within.
The latter fetched the 2 dogs from the kennel which they have amicably shared for the last few days and we gave them a walk round before loading. I always carry 2 cages but, as I expected with 2 very big dogs, they weren’t suitable and were folded away at the front. The first line of defence for me were the bars placed behind them. I didn’t expect any trouble. Dog beds covered the floor at the back while all my bedding occupied the space on top of the cages, unfortunately shielding the dogs from my view, but there was nowhere else for them. Tango the Dane cross was not as big as most Danes, even allowing for his young age and unknown pedigree and Pataud likewise was not the mountainous beast expected, but then, he too was a cross and less than a year old. Nevertheless they were still too big for cages and so off we set half an hour later.
The first thing I noticed was a nose probing around the end of the bars and cages, Pataud, but he couldn’t get through and eventually settled down at the rear. Then it was Tango’s turn, but my side this time and he was more persistent. Eventually he fell asleep in that position but, with his face cramped up as it was in the narrow gap, one blue eye was squinting partly open at me for most of the 6 hour journey. I decided to stop in a rest area in Villefranche du Périgord where there was plenty of room for me to walk them round on the 8 metre lunge rein. As my car has an up and over tailgate there is a special procedure to follow to avoid dogs loose in the back forcing themselves out before the gate is completely lifted. With 2 such dogs this is even more necessary and I have 2 chain leads, one each side, anchored just inside the sliding side doors. Open the door slightly, enough to get an arm through, reach in and take a stiff arm firm grip on the dog’s collar then reach in with the other to clip the lead on the ring. This method has served to safely secure much bigger dogs than these 2 in the past but I was reckoning without Tango’s strength and determination.
I opened my door to get out but, before I knew it I had one third of a Great Dane on my shoulder like some giant black and white parrot. He was straining to get over me and out of the door, something I had to avoid at all costs if I wasn’t to lose him altogether. I twisted in my seat and made a grab for the collar, it wasn’t there, I had nothing to hold onto but his throat and I did, for grim death. Half turned I was in a precarious position; I had no purchase but gradually turned to face him and, with my free hand on his chest transferred the other to his forehead. He was winning though, little by little, his strength was enormous but, now completely turned, I managed to get one foot braced on the angled footrest to the left of the clutch pedal. Now well stressed I exerted all my own strength to gradually push him back, inch by inch, past the bars and back into the car. It took 10 minutes and I was exhausted but I still had to get back in and close the door. That wasn’t all. I drive in clogs and walk in soft slip-on sabots and had chucked the latter out of the door in preparation for our walk. Facing backwards on the driver’s seat with one eye on Tango I retrieved them one by one opening and shutting the door rapidly each time. Then screwing myself back round to face forwards I managed to don my driving attire again and start the engine. There was to be no stroll or pee for any of us on this journey!
Fortunately there was no further trauma till I got back to Sharon’s. There the struggle started anew. As I pulled up to the gate all her dogs came to see us and once again Tango was over my shoulder again. I could only restrain him by firmly gripping the grab handle above my head and forcing him back with my arm while, with the other hand I sounded the horn to attract Sharon. I expect her first thought was what arrogance summoning her in such a way but there was no way I was opening that door again. Eventually she appeared and let me drive in. Through the slightly lowered window I called for her to open the tailgate and let them both out and relieve the pressure. She couldn’t. Tango had his foot firmly on the locking lever on my door and had centrally locked everything. We were trapped! Eventually I managed to shift him and lift the lever but even then he found it difficult to get out backwards through the bars. In future big dogs, loose in the back, will be tethered to the ring bolts at the rear.
The first thing I noticed was a nose probing around the end of the bars and cages, Pataud, but he couldn’t get through and eventually settled down at the rear. Then it was Tango’s turn, but my side this time and he was more persistent. Eventually he fell asleep in that position but, with his face cramped up as it was in the narrow gap, one blue eye was squinting partly open at me for most of the 6 hour journey. I decided to stop in a rest area in Villefranche du Périgord where there was plenty of room for me to walk them round on the 8 metre lunge rein. As my car has an up and over tailgate there is a special procedure to follow to avoid dogs loose in the back forcing themselves out before the gate is completely lifted. With 2 such dogs this is even more necessary and I have 2 chain leads, one each side, anchored just inside the sliding side doors. Open the door slightly, enough to get an arm through, reach in and take a stiff arm firm grip on the dog’s collar then reach in with the other to clip the lead on the ring. This method has served to safely secure much bigger dogs than these 2 in the past but I was reckoning without Tango’s strength and determination.
I opened my door to get out but, before I knew it I had one third of a Great Dane on my shoulder like some giant black and white parrot. He was straining to get over me and out of the door, something I had to avoid at all costs if I wasn’t to lose him altogether. I twisted in my seat and made a grab for the collar, it wasn’t there, I had nothing to hold onto but his throat and I did, for grim death. Half turned I was in a precarious position; I had no purchase but gradually turned to face him and, with my free hand on his chest transferred the other to his forehead. He was winning though, little by little, his strength was enormous but, now completely turned, I managed to get one foot braced on the angled footrest to the left of the clutch pedal. Now well stressed I exerted all my own strength to gradually push him back, inch by inch, past the bars and back into the car. It took 10 minutes and I was exhausted but I still had to get back in and close the door. That wasn’t all. I drive in clogs and walk in soft slip-on sabots and had chucked the latter out of the door in preparation for our walk. Facing backwards on the driver’s seat with one eye on Tango I retrieved them one by one opening and shutting the door rapidly each time. Then screwing myself back round to face forwards I managed to don my driving attire again and start the engine. There was to be no stroll or pee for any of us on this journey!
Fortunately there was no further trauma till I got back to Sharon’s. There the struggle started anew. As I pulled up to the gate all her dogs came to see us and once again Tango was over my shoulder again. I could only restrain him by firmly gripping the grab handle above my head and forcing him back with my arm while, with the other hand I sounded the horn to attract Sharon. I expect her first thought was what arrogance summoning her in such a way but there was no way I was opening that door again. Eventually she appeared and let me drive in. Through the slightly lowered window I called for her to open the tailgate and let them both out and relieve the pressure. She couldn’t. Tango had his foot firmly on the locking lever on my door and had centrally locked everything. We were trapped! Eventually I managed to shift him and lift the lever but even then he found it difficult to get out backwards through the bars. In future big dogs, loose in the back, will be tethered to the ring bolts at the rear.
For ten minutes both dogs enjoyed running around in her large compound and letting off steam, and relieving themselves in long pent up other ways as well. No mess in the back apart from the undigested croquettes that had constituted Pataud’s breakfast. The breakfast that I had specifically requested should not be given. Another little job to attend to at home.
Back on board, just the two of us now, and, in 15 minutes at our house for the overnight stop. I opened the tail door and out he came, romping round the garden investigating everywhere. Ramona came out to greet the new arrival. At first all went well but when Pataud discovered that he was a virile boy and Ramona was a girl some unwelcome and ungentlemanly behaviour ensued.. No shrinking violet, she soon told him where to go but it did need a couple of squirts by me from the water bottle for him to get the message. Soon he was fine but she, ever suspicious, shouted at him if he came too near. Things settled down eventually and apart from a couple of wet accidents inside no problems during the night. He slept peacefully right through, not in the bed placed for him but on a convenient rug in the living room.
Back on board, just the two of us now, and, in 15 minutes at our house for the overnight stop. I opened the tail door and out he came, romping round the garden investigating everywhere. Ramona came out to greet the new arrival. At first all went well but when Pataud discovered that he was a virile boy and Ramona was a girl some unwelcome and ungentlemanly behaviour ensued.. No shrinking violet, she soon told him where to go but it did need a couple of squirts by me from the water bottle for him to get the message. Soon he was fine but she, ever suspicious, shouted at him if he came too near. Things settled down eventually and apart from a couple of wet accidents inside no problems during the night. He slept peacefully right through, not in the bed placed for him but on a convenient rug in the living room.
Up early in the morning and away by 9. I had re-organised the car last night in the light of Pataud’s less than massive presence and the fact that he was alone in the back. I reverted to the usual large dog strategy of placing the large crate at the front leaving a cushioned space behind and the door pinned back open. He was thus able to choose one or the other or at least move at will between the two, which he did, frequently. This arrangement also proves an almost impassable obstacle for a large dog to move forward towards me, I certainly didn’t want a repeat of yesterday’s performance with Tango, we have even further to go today and I don’t think either of us is prepared to do it without a couple of rest breaks.
I am always on the lookout for the cheapest diesel around the country and have got to know many of the best places and calculate my journeys accordingly. However, yesterday’s disruption to the normal forced me to miss out and I had to top up less advantageously near to home so today I am on the lookout for a good spot to make for on the return leg. This I found at Confolens but also realised that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush and determined to play it safe by looking for a good place further north too. Supermarkets have been known to jack their prices by several cents overnight sometimes.
I am always on the lookout for the cheapest diesel around the country and have got to know many of the best places and calculate my journeys accordingly. However, yesterday’s disruption to the normal forced me to miss out and I had to top up less advantageously near to home so today I am on the lookout for a good spot to make for on the return leg. This I found at Confolens but also realised that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush and determined to play it safe by looking for a good place further north too. Supermarkets have been known to jack their prices by several cents overnight sometimes.
The first rest break was after about 3 hours. A large rest area where we could have a good walk around on the lunge rein on the grass between the trees. We spent 15 minutes there and I took a few photos before the time came to reload. In common with yesterday Pataud is reluctant to jump in the car although he doesn’t object to me lifting him in. Thank goodness he’s less than a year old; I wouldn’t want to do this for him next year. Once in he went straight into the cage and sat down. I reached in to unhook the lunge and his lips curled back and he snarled and snapped. No matter what I did he wasn’t going to allow it, he was a changed personality. I couldn’t leave him attached like that for another 5 hours so I took him by surprise and wrapped the loose end round his jaw and quickly unclipped the lead. Then he was calm. He certainly has some hang up from his short past, or maybe I was too heavy handed with him. We would find out at the next stop.
All went well as we trundled north, Poitiers, Angers, Laval. We would soon need another stop, but most of the places were too small until we got beyond Fougères. Once again a friendly dog who loved to be close, who loved to be stroked and loved a wander in the grass. Once again he raised no protest at being put on the side chain, once again no problem transferring at the back to the lunge rein. But once again the aggressive refusal to allow a hand inside the cage to release him. This time he was too quick for me, not a bite but he did catch me with a tooth, drawing a little blood. I could do nothing except, with only half an hour still to travel, to leave him attached with the lead outside the cage and the door closed to avoid him turning and tangling in it. As soon as we arrived at our rendezvous, half an hour before time, I opened up the back and the cage and led him out for a walk around while we waited for his new owner. He was fine, as before, it is only an intrusion into the privacy of the cage that appears to faze him. When Norma and her friend arrived he welcomed them as he had me, with licks and eager response to cuddles. I told them of his one problem and advised leaving him attached to his new short lead for the brief ride home in the car. Collars and leads were exchanged and for the last time I took his weight in my arms to lift him into the car. He made no protest, then or when Norma reached in to attach an anchored lead for safety in the unbarred Jeep. Obviously it is only in small spaces that he fears invasion. Papers transferred and we were all off in our opposite directions, him to his new home and me to a welcome night’s break 2 hours away at Chateau Gonthier.
All went well as we trundled north, Poitiers, Angers, Laval. We would soon need another stop, but most of the places were too small until we got beyond Fougères. Once again a friendly dog who loved to be close, who loved to be stroked and loved a wander in the grass. Once again he raised no protest at being put on the side chain, once again no problem transferring at the back to the lunge rein. But once again the aggressive refusal to allow a hand inside the cage to release him. This time he was too quick for me, not a bite but he did catch me with a tooth, drawing a little blood. I could do nothing except, with only half an hour still to travel, to leave him attached with the lead outside the cage and the door closed to avoid him turning and tangling in it. As soon as we arrived at our rendezvous, half an hour before time, I opened up the back and the cage and led him out for a walk around while we waited for his new owner. He was fine, as before, it is only an intrusion into the privacy of the cage that appears to faze him. When Norma and her friend arrived he welcomed them as he had me, with licks and eager response to cuddles. I told them of his one problem and advised leaving him attached to his new short lead for the brief ride home in the car. Collars and leads were exchanged and for the last time I took his weight in my arms to lift him into the car. He made no protest, then or when Norma reached in to attach an anchored lead for safety in the unbarred Jeep. Obviously it is only in small spaces that he fears invasion. Papers transferred and we were all off in our opposite directions, him to his new home and me to a welcome night’s break 2 hours away at Chateau Gonthier.
No old friends this time to dine with, just new ones, at the bar, at the dinner table. Another good evening and restful night. After an early start the next morning I rolled back home at 12.30 and washed the grime off the car.
A phone call 5 days later gave me the welcome news that he is settled in, loves to race round the garden, barks to come in, and loves his cuddles in the house. No mess, and no aggression. But no cage either, he has his own bed and is not possessive of it. Heartening news indeed.
I visited Tango in his new, temporary foster home yesterday as well. He too is racing round the paddock only stopping for a couple of photo calls. I believe he is looking for a new owner, this handsome Harlequin Great Dane cross.
A phone call 5 days later gave me the welcome news that he is settled in, loves to race round the garden, barks to come in, and loves his cuddles in the house. No mess, and no aggression. But no cage either, he has his own bed and is not possessive of it. Heartening news indeed.
I visited Tango in his new, temporary foster home yesterday as well. He too is racing round the paddock only stopping for a couple of photo calls. I believe he is looking for a new owner, this handsome Harlequin Great Dane cross.
Months later he was adopted, even further away than before, in Holland, by air. But that is another story.
Total distance 1,803 kms.
Total distance 1,803 kms.