I thought I would give my dogs a page of their own since they are a big part of our lives. Seen here are my two Rhodesian Ridgebacks - Adobe is on the left and Oscar is on the right…patiently waiting for the T.R.E.A.T and getting ready for a hike. Most people are very interested in meeting them because they are not your average dog breed. Originally bred to track down lions in Africa, these hounds are strong, loyal, protective, and confident. Their one defining characteristic is the long ridge of stiff hair on their back that tends to surprise people at first because it almost appears as if they are on edge – which they aren’t of course! Oscar is almost 6 years old and Adobe is almost 2. They couldn’t be more opposite in personality, but they love each other like brothers and that is all that matters.

Oscar definitely enjoys some vigorous exercise, but he prefers the comfort of our bed more so than anything or being spooned by his Dad or Mom. He doesn’t enjoy the back yard as a dog should and is very particular with where he decides to defecate. It has to be the perfect spot. And if he can’t find the perfect spot, then he just won’t go! Oscar is a very sweet boy and he borders on sensitive. He definitely loves his treats and is a food monger!

We did not choose Adobe, he chose us - by falling asleep on my wife’s lap when we first met him at the tender age of 4 months old. We call Adobe our barnyard boy. He is a rough and tumble kind of dog and enjoys a good wrestling match with his elder brother whether Oscar is into it or not! He is a gentle giant and towers over Oscar. He loves the back yard and uses every square inch of it. He does not tire easily. Unlike Oscar, Adobe loves to snuggle and nestle in our arms.

Rhodesian Ridgebacks are certainly not for everyone. You need to be very observant and make sure you are not in their path when they come charging otherwise, you may get knocked over. They are big, muscular dogs and require a great deal of exercise. During the summers, we take them on long walks or hikes. In the winter, we Nordic ski with them. At the end of the ski season, we usually hike them up to the top of Pico Mountain after the resort has closed. We ride down on our snowboards and they race down next to us loving every minute of it!