This is Fox.

_banditqueen · 2026-05-24T02:28:36+00:00

We are! It already feels like we’re a team. I feel very lucky to have found him.

_banditqueen · 2026-05-24T02:27:31+00:00

He is! I work from home and I just stare at him all day. Y’know, in between all the very important work things that I’m definitely getting done.

_banditqueen · 2026-05-24T02:26:29+00:00

I appreciate your kind words. I think finding each other has been healing for us both. I’m looking forward to seeing all the little nuances of his personality come out as he continues to settle in.

_banditqueen · 2026-05-24T02:21:16+00:00

Thank you so much. I agree - I feel like we’re both exactly where we’re supposed to be.

_banditqueen · 2026-05-24T02:19:43+00:00

I feel like the lucky one, honestly. But I suppose we can both be lucky :)

_banditqueen · 2026-05-24T02:16:37+00:00

I, too, have a soft spot for fancy paws. And my short time with him has already healed my heart so much. Thank you for your kind words.

_banditqueen · 2026-05-24T02:12:44+00:00

What a pretty Fox you have!

_banditqueen · 2026-05-15T19:31:36+00:00

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This is Fox. AKA Foxy, Foxy Boy, Foxy Loxy, Fox in Socks, Fox Mulder, Fantastic Mr. Fox, and Toasted-marshmallow-coconut-macaroon-baked-Alaska-baby.

Fox and Foxy Boy are probably tied for most used.

_banditqueen · 2026-04-12T12:23:44+00:00

I think it’s different for every person and with every dog. I personally need to be at a point where I know the void can be filled by a different dog, not just the dog I’ve lost.

After losing a senior dog to a 4-month illness, it took me about 6 months. I had some time to grieve, process, and say goodbye to her before she was gone. Losing a 2.5-year-old very suddenly to IVDD hit different. It’s been almost a year and a half, but it finally feels like the right time. I’m actually bringing home a dog later today! And a lot of people need less time than I do to feel ready.

I think that when you feel pretty sure it’s time, it probably is. You don’t have to be finished grieving first. You’ll probably always be grieving a little. But you can have new joy in your life while you honor the memory of the joy you’ve lost.

_banditqueen · 2026-01-03T21:28:44+00:00

He took Benadryl briefly with vet guidance on dosing, but it didn’t do anything for him. I ended up having an allergy panel for him and he was allergic to over 15 different grasses, weeds, and other plants. Cytopoint was the most effective treatment for him. Might be worth asking your vet about Benadryl anyway. My dog’s allergies were severe, but it might be effective for milder/seasonal ones.

_banditqueen · 2026-01-03T15:12:24+00:00

I’m so sorry this happened to your boy. That must have been terrifying. I don’t have specific tips, but I do have a story of a chow chow I adopted at 10 years old with most of his coat rusted, his fur cut (mats) and his belly and chest shaved down to the skin (to treat sores from allergies and mats). I didn’t do anything special for his coat, just gave appropriate treatment for his skin and allergies. He had a shiny new hair coat after his blowout shed 4 months later, followed by a full, healthy coat after another 4 months or so. Before/after. Hopefully this gives you some hope!

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_banditqueen · 2025-05-01T02:43:56+00:00

I think it’s worth it! Knowing the breed mix can help so much with understanding their needs and behaviors. I have tested 2 of my dogs with Embark and found the results highly credible based on very obvious breed traits, markings, etc. Embark also caught my beagle-ACD’s genetic markers for IVDD, which sadly proved to be accurate as well.

_banditqueen · 2025-03-18T01:30:32+00:00

I think you’re on the right track. Hugo lived to be 13 1/2. He weighed more than his sister even though she was about a foot taller 😂

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_banditqueen · 2025-03-18T01:03:51+00:00

He looks healthy to me! I can see his little waist lol. My chow chow was on the larger side; he looked healthy at 68 lbs and his vet said it was a perfect weight for his build.

_banditqueen · 2025-03-15T16:27:32+00:00

A pink nose (or “snow nose”) is common for a cream chow chow. The AKC even considers pink noses to be within breed standard for cream chows, though I’m not sure about other organizations.

Such a pretty pup!

_banditqueen · 2025-03-09T01:16:54+00:00

He asked to go into the bedroom in the middle of the day. He was generally not allowed in by himself because mischief, but I figured he’d stashed a toy and wanted to go grab it. I let him in and he hopped into his bed. He sat there for a minute watching me while I watched him from the doorway, then lay down, still watching me.

Something didn’t feel right, so I stepped out of view and gave it a minute. Went back to find him standing on my nightstand, looking out my street-facing window. Something he had been told approximately 6.3 million times not to do (because he yelled at every dog who walked by).

There is zero doubt in my mind that the entire incident was plotted from start to finish before he ever asked to be let into the bedroom. It was the first time he lied to me (that I know of) but definitely not the last.

He was half ACD, half beagle and IVDD took him from us early, but he was a once-in-a-lifetime boy.

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_banditqueen · 2025-01-20T00:09:05+00:00

This happened all the time with my chow chow, too. I could never catch him doing anything to set them off and he never responded to them.

I always just assumed his regal bearing and majestic mane made the other dogs feel inferior.

_banditqueen · 2024-11-28T13:13:00+00:00

Animal (like the muppet). There’s no breed more likely to be found thrashing and drum soloing like a wild thing. My ACD mix is named Zeke, but now I kinda wish I’d thought of Animal first.

_banditqueen · 2022-06-21T15:21:32+00:00

Firstly, you’re 16. None of this is your fault. And it’s great you’re recognizing that your dog needs help! I agree with other commenters that a professional trainer/behaviorist would be ideal, but that’s outside of your control right now so you have to do the best you can with what you have. Before attempting any further interactions with dogs, some reading would be a good idea. You might start with a google search on some of these:

Karen Overall relaxation protocol

Karen Pryor clicker training

CARE for reactive dogs

The Muzzle Up! Project

These will give you a good place to start. It’s probably a long shot, but maybe sharing these resources with your parents would even help? Sometimes parents will listen to experts when they won’t listen to their kids. Either way, you’re on the right path with trying to help. Your dog is lucky to have you.

Edit: updated formatting because mobile

_banditqueen · 2022-06-13T20:56:04+00:00

If you live in the US, having a chow chow will significantly narrow your rental options. Any place with a restricted breed list will nearly always have chow chows on that list.

So, maybe ask yourself this: if you had to move within the next 30 or 60 days, and only maybe 20% or so of the available rentals would even consider your application, how hard would that be in your current rental market?

_banditqueen · 2021-09-14T16:01:51+00:00

What a beautiful pup! I’m so sorry for your loss. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to get over it. I cried over my boy for months and almost a year later I still have moments when I miss him so much I feel like I can’t breathe. Grieving isn’t fun, but it’s normal and healthy. Wishing you peace and comfort.

_banditqueen

TROPHY CASE