Beauty And The Beast
Equi-Ads England & Wales, March 2002

Kuchina Johnston continues her series introducing us to the animals in her life. This month it is clear that not all her animals are natural stars.

As I walk across the lane where I live many people stop and stare at the gorgeous creature by my side. I introduce Hico to them and nine out of ten fuss over him asking where I got such a handsome beast. Even though I say it myself, Hico is the most good looking German Shepherd for many a mile. Underneath the beauty lies a unique dog.

He is very big and strong but, as for brain power, well, it is a mere four out of ten. My mum commented that I could have trained four dogs in the time I have spent with him and unfortunately I know she is correct. I have to confess I just like the dog - the way he turns his head to one side and looks at me with those big brown eyes. He does try to keep up with Dan (you read about him in the article "Dan the Man"). In strength and speed he has no problem but not in logic!

Dan will work out things for himself and only look at me for praise but Hico, on the other hand, will look to me to show him what to do. I may have shown him thirty times before but he still looks to me and I wonder if he really forgets or if it is a lack of self confidence. He did come from a very large litter perhaps he has gotten used to blending in rather then standing out and working on his own.

Is he going to be a star? Well, you will just have to watch this space for the answer to that because at the moment he is just happy being part of the family and trying his hardest to eat me out of house and home.