This is Patch, now known as Skipper, the little Schipperke with a rare auto-immune skin disease who came to us several weeks ago from a shelter in California. We renamed him Skipper in honor of his Schipperke heritage, because this breed was used as watchdogs on boats and barges in the Netherlands and Belgium. ("Schipperke" is actually a diminutive form of the Dutch word for "skipper," so there you have it.) As you can see, Skipper has now become an official rolling dog himself.
I took this photo of him right after that roll, and you can see he was one very happy boy. It's too soon to know what kind of "roller" he will be. We have three categories of rolling dogs here. There are the "fair-weather rollers," who generally roll only on grass when it's warm out. Then we have the "all-season rollers," who roll year-round regardless of the weather. Finally, we have the "snowy rollers," who usually prefer to roll only on snow.
It's kind of hard to tell from these photos, but Skipper's hair is definitely growing back and his skin is in much better shape. He still has some crusty areas, particularly on his ears and around his neck, and his face does seem to be permanently scarred. But we've only had a couple of days where he's been scratching at himself, so we are cautiously optimistic we have his skin disease under control.
(Click on photos for larger image.)
I'm thrilled to see Skipper looking so well! The photos of him before he came to the ranch compared to present day show an incredible difference! I'm sure he feels fantastic and his rolling dog attitude reflects that.
Posted by: Boundforglory | June 25, 2007 at 09:47 AM
I love the antics of the dogs at the ranch....soooooo cute!
Sending Skipper best wishes that he is on his way to recovery from the disease.
Posted by: Nina | June 24, 2007 at 10:24 PM
Being Dutch myself of course, I'm delighted to see such a happy Schippertje :-)!
His new name does him proud, wonderful that you've changed it!
Posted by: Jessica, NL | June 22, 2007 at 05:01 PM
WOW! Skipper looks great! It is definately a testimony to all the love and attention and care given to this sweet little fellow! Perhaps he is panting but, is sure does look like a smile on his face! I would be smiling to knowing that I was getting better and being loved!
Posted by: Lynn | June 22, 2007 at 12:32 PM
He almost looks Fluffy!!! And SOOO Happy!
Thank you
Posted by: Ashley | June 22, 2007 at 11:41 AM
That is so good to see - he looks much better! Another happy dog because of your good work - thanks for sharing, I've been wondering how he was getting on. Have a great day!
Posted by: Katy | June 22, 2007 at 09:26 AM
He's looking great as compared to previous photos. We had one of these dogs as kids and they are just wonderful with little ones. They are not as delicate as most smaller dogs and are very protective of their charges.
I remember when my sister and I got in trouble with my dad and he started to raise his voice. Our Schipperke, Fitz, got right in between us and my dad and started to "yell" back at him. My dad was so shocked he started laughing and we got off the hook!
Posted by: Gindy | June 22, 2007 at 07:32 AM
Thank you Steve and Alayne for the superior care you are giving Patch--he looks like a different dog. Keep the wonderful blog and stories rolling in.
Posted by: Shirley & James | June 22, 2007 at 01:07 AM
Thank you Steve and Alayne for the superior care you are giving Patch--he looks like a different dog. Keep the wonderful blog and stories rolling in.
Posted by: Shirley & James | June 22, 2007 at 01:06 AM
Thank you Steve and Alayne for the superior care you are giving Patch--he looks like a different dog. Keep the wonderful blog and stories rolling in.
Posted by: Shirley & James | June 22, 2007 at 01:06 AM