Lunkhead wrote:Aw.
Sorry for your loss, CR. He looks like a really great, sweet dog.
He was an absolute gem of a dog.
We were told when we got him that a maremma sheepdog IS NOT a pet. We got him to guard our alpacas when we owned an alpaca farm. We did what we were told and threw him out into the paddock as a puppy to bond with the alpacas and learn his job. Chief took up residence on our hammock and watched those alpacas. When an alpaca mother died - he curled up around the baby to keep it warm. When a red-bellied black snake started to enter our house, he bit its head off.
When we stopped farming alpacas - he guarded us. And our daughter when she was born.
He was a huge dog. But always gentle. To me, my wife and my daughter. To strangers - he would sound like the collective hounds of hell about to rip your throat out. He was all talk. But man - could he talk.
But to us. He was Chiefy. He would sneak up behind us and put his big paw in our lap, just to let us know he was there - looking after us. And when we went walking, he was the Brad Pitt of dogs. He was so handsome, everyone wanted his photo - and he could always strike a pose.
I am happy he is gone. He was 4 years past the average age for his breed. He was REALLY old. He died at a kennel while we were on holidays. That is sad. But is means someone else did all the stuff that has to be done. That is good.
Knowing The Chief for (almost) 14 years significantly affected my opinion of what his species is capable of. I hope that he may be able to say similar.
If you haven't backed up in a few days, go do it now. 
