Great and Small

Two faces stare at me when I walk in the door. One is large and white and woolly, with a pointed nose and two big, liquid brown eyes. This face stands about three feet off the ground.

The other is small, with more of a pushed-in nose, an adorable black mask, and a pair of black eyes are that constantly alert. Alert for treats, alert for mischief, alert of fun. This face stands about a foot off the floor.

These are Icewind and Keani, the two canine 'kids' we are privileged to share a home with.

Icewind

Icewind is a Hungarian Kuvasz. His official name is Icewind Silver Dream. Approximately 100 lb, he looks something like a cross between a sheep, a polar bear, a wolf, and a cloud. Most of the time he is happy being the house rug, but when the doorbell rings, he turns into a defensive machine. His big, booming barks are mixed with a series of growls and snarls, and he runs at the door with enough momentum to rear up and stand with his front paws on the glass, looking out of the window. It's just show, though. Once the door is open all he wants to do is to rub against the visitor and wriggle all over in a frenzy of excitement.

But the Kuvasz is a guardian breed. Not only can they be house dogs, but they are also used as livestock guardians, and will, if needed, defend their charges against such predators as coyotes and cougars.

All dogs need to be socialized, and with a breed like the Kuvasz, it's doubly important. But if they come from the right breeding background, and are carefully and properly trained, they are a supreme joy to be around.

Icewind is an extremely gentle and loving soul who is independent but obedient, and very generous.

Keani

Keani is a Tibetan Spaniel. Only about 15 lbs, it is quite comic to compare the size difference between him and his older brother Icewind. Keani's official name is Keani Evening Song. He is a sable Tibbie with a black mask, and he looks like Gizmo, or an ewok from Star Wars. Especially when he looks up and a tooth or three are sticking out through his fuzzy black lips.

Keani flew in from a breeder in British Columbia when he was about nine weeks old. He was a tiny black and gray bundle to start with - a soft little ball that bounced around.

Together

We waited a week before introducing the two, which we did gradually and carefully. After all, aside from everything else, Keani only weighed about four pounds. One accidental misstep of Icewind's would've squashed him flat, and Ice could've probably fit all of Keani into his mouth at the time.

But Ice is, as previously mentioned, a most loving and generous soul. He was very gentle with his new little brother. When Keani got a little bigger and we started letting them have short play sessions together, Icewind would always carefully moderate his movements so that the little one would be safe. There was one time when Ice accidentally fell off the couch. Not sure if he had landed on his brother or not, he stayed completely still until Keani was confirmed to be alright.

They have become brothers indeed, and best friends. Like brothers, they take care of each other, but Keani is a true little brother. Whatever is in Icewind's bowl looks better than his, and he will stretch up to pilfer some. He'll skitter around Ice,nipping at his toes and ears and tail to try and get a reaction. And all Ice does is growl patiently or give him a bit of a lecture.

They are a true joy.