Hello, this is Dr. Karin! Read my introduction to learn more about me and my five funny dogs, Poppy, Bailey, Koda, Ned and Fred.
Until a few months ago, I was not familiar with the term “Velcro dog.” Of course, I knew this concept. A dog sticks like glue and chases you like a shadow everywhere, but I didn’t hear that particular phrase. It’s so cute! I have a Chihuahua at home so I’d have thought my Velcro dog was a small breed. But I’m worried that if the choice is between me and some food, I’ll be closest to second. Also, I was surprised when I was reading the classic Velcro dog breed that German shepherds made the list, but I shouldn’t have done so now.
Koda’s favorite things
Like most dogs, Koda needs relatively few, and it doesn’t take long to make him happy. His favorites are:
- myself
- hose
- His ball
- food
- husband
- Ned & Fred
Irony? I was dead for getting him. When we lost the gentle giant Remus the Irish Wolfhound, we left a very wise number of dogs. Poppy & Bailey from Labrador, and our rescue Chihuahuas, potatoes (Tate). However, my husband insisted that we were fourth most needed until Koda joined the family. Of course, I was right, and he has proven to be a very hard job, especially since his Marino genes weren’t revealed when he first brought him home! And of course, I’ve become most of that work! My husband took on the role of a major disciplinary action and male leader as a female leader in our pack, but I have the clear privilege of having a maternal place in his life. Koda is definitely a “mom’s boy”!
My shadow
No one likes to be alone, and in my house you are never. The closed door is filled with confusion and surprise, and even a bathroom visit is not sacred. If you need to keep your pet away, you need a tightly latched door and snacks, and it turns out that in most cases it’s easier to accept the company.
My office doubles as our “cat room”, with a child’s gate to keep the dog out, relax without fear of dog interference, and gives cats somewhere to the feline to prevent Koda from sampling items from the trash can. However, during the day, cats prefer to luxuriously salute in our bedrooms as they get sunshine in the morning. The wardrobe seems to be far better than the cat furniture I equipped with the room. As a result, Koda joined me in the office/cat sanctuary and placed herself under my desk (good) or behind the wheels of my chair (not so good).
Stuck in the “on” position forever
Even when we relax in bed reading a book, Koda is ready to go anywhere, just like I move inches. Sometimes it’s in the kitchen, sometimes in the bathroom, sometimes I’m just scratching the itch! The combination of Velcro and Guard dog instincts means he is not in full relaxation mode.
Luckily, Koda prefers to stay within my licking distance, but he is not overly protected and does not keep people or other dogs away. In fact, I didn’t even call him protective! Despite his horrifying appearance, he is much more likely to hide behind me in the event of an attack than he comes to my rescue! He was the first person to roughly bark through a window with someone, an animal, or a leaf, but I’ve heard the actual “worrisome” sounds from outside, like when my neighbor’s teenage son was locked up from the house or a trash can was blown away, but he literally wrapped himself in the back of the couch with me. He’s very brave.
Luckily, my Velcro dog and I have a ned to protect us!
This article is part of Dr. Karin’s series with Five Dogs.
