(Ari with his dreads just forming.)

We have just returned from a visit with our son Adam, and his lovely new bride, Raewyn. Did I take any pics of them? No. But I took plenty of their 11 month old Komondor aka Hungarian Sheepdog, Ari.

Ari is the process of getting his adult coat, and traditionally, the fur is separated to create a coat of dreads, giving them the nickname of “Mop” dogs. The photos really don’t do Ari justice. He is a big dog, nearly 100 pounds, but looks much bigger because of the fur. He is in his awkward teens, between his puppy fur and adult coat. Below is a photo of what a mature, well groomed Komondor looks like 🙂

Adam told me Ari was creating quite a sensation in their town of Greenville, SC. After a walk through town, and lunch at an outdoor cafe, with Ari, I see what he means. Almost everyone that we passed on the street stopped to ask about his breed, take his picture, or simply gawk.

(5 pound George going for a ride!)

Greenville, known for their “dog friendly” atmosphere, has many outdoor restaurants and bars where dogs are welcome. Last week, the people at the tables around them decided to turn Ari’s popularity into a “drinking game”. Whenever someone stopped to ask about Ari, they took a drink. When someone asked for a photo, they finished their drink. Needless to say, spirits ran high 🙂 If you live in the Greenville, South Carolina area, watch for Ari. If you see him, tell him “Gammy says Hi!”

 


(Ari chillin’ with Adam)

I think we are done with our travels for the remainder of the year. (Still might fit in one more trip to Madison to see the Little Lady and Little Guy 🙂 Anyway… Michelle does Thanksgiving at her house, so I think I’m ready to begin preparing for Christmas. Woke up this morning to a light dusting of snow… ho ho ho 🙂

BTW… for more info on Komondors, you can check them out HERE.