The Smokester

My very first client was a 5 month old pocket beagle named Smokey. He had a mischevious personality, as puppies do and evidence of a strong personality between those smokey eyes. His eyes are stunning.

Over the years Smokey has become like the favourite Uncle who the whole family waits in anticipation for. We hear his Beagle howl before we even set eyes on him. He arrives in all his beagle glory, howling , woefully looking at his owners to gain all the sympathy he can. He knows they have plans he is not a part of so its show time. I imagine this to be the scene from Wuthering Heights where Heathcliff delivers his famous line that ends in " do not leave me in this abyss, where I can not find you " You have to imagine his pleading eyes at this time. His owners are well aware of his antics but it is always heartbreaking for them. He is that good. And the Oscar for best actor goes to Smokey the pocket beagle.

Once he realizes they have left and has gained enough sympathy from us he gives up his role of leading actor and goes about his business of being part of our pack. The pack dynamics change when Smokey arrives, Miley loves him, idolizes him , he is her Heathcliff. Smokey knows this but she is not his Catherine. She is his pack member where he is now the leader. Bear, being 16 now, knows he is the true leader but allows Smokey the priveledge during his stay. Smokey speaks to them and us with his face. He has many faces, my favourite is his not amused face, usually when you are not fast enough doing what he wants and surprisingly enough you hop to it. He has his side eye judgmental face. This means whatever is happening is beneath him and he is not interested. Nothing can change his mind.

It is his strong will that I admire, he makes up his mind whether he likes a dog or not, if he doesn't he is just indifferent to them. A game, a toy instant like or dislike. I do try the side eye and displeased look he uses on people sometimes and it is quite powerful. Someone pushes in front of you in a line up, bring on the Smokey face, you will quickly hear an apology.

As there are many sides to Smokey we have adapted his name over the years, as I often do I imagine them in human form, he gives me Sherlock Holmes vibes aka The Smokester. Sometimes shortened to The Smokes. Such strong names for such a little beagle but once you meet him and experience him you will never see the little beagle again, you will however see the very unique, awe inspiring The Smokester.

The Smokester