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Monday, January 25, 2021

The Hachi Chronicle

Hachi has had an up and down week. Moving back and forth definitely stresses him. We can see it in our training games, in his ability to stay calm while being handled, and in his demeanor during walks. 

He loves Lab Valley and playing with his sister. That seems to spill over to other parts of his life, making him much happier overall.


When we are at our old place, I am constantly astounded by how well Hachi reads peoples' body language from a long distance away. From about 75 yards or maybe further, he instantly picks up on whether a person is someone who is nice or someone who is not. It seems as if his accurate judgements even extend to people who he hasn't seen on the trails previously. 

I read a book titled "A Wolf Called Romeo" about a very friendly wolf who lived near Juneau, Alaska for years. He liked to spend time at a recreation area where he'd play with people's dogs and even people themselves. He had a similar ability to "read" people which helped him to live a long life. 

We rarely see anyone else on our hikes at Lab Valley so Hachi can relax and just have fun.

Overall, it was a good week for Hachi. He definitely feels stress about us moving frequently but he can let it go when we get to Lab Valley. That's great news!

20 comments:

  1. Nelly is a reader too, it belongs zo something I found not out by now what makes him growl or not...

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  2. You are a smart boy, Hachi, and we love the photos of you playing with Shyla!

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  3. Hari OM
    In truth, all dogs are 'readers' - but just as in we humans, some have a 'bigger antenna'! YAM xx

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  4. do you have an idea how long before your permanent move? glad H is doing well, and sorry he can't live in one place.

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  5. We're glad to hear Hachi had a good week and hope you can move permanently soon.

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  6. You've worked very hard to give the best life possible. Many don't do that at all. Bless you for seeing his needs and making sure he's cared for properly. I so love to see their action shots.

    Have a fabulous day and week. Scritches to the pups. ♥

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  7. Lab Valley sounds like a wonderful place for both dogs, so glad you found it.

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  8. Lab Valley is the haven for Hachi, and soon when you are there all the time he will settle into a routine that is safe and happy for you all. Looks like there is ample snow for the pair to play.

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  9. I lived in Juneau from 2006-2010, and used to see Romeo on a regular basis during my rides out at Mendenhall Lake. He was certainly a fascinating animal, but most agree that his habituation is what ultimately ended his life early, as he was an easy target for poachers. Still, he had what appears to be many dozens of friendly interactions with dogs, even when he displayed more wolf-like behavior (this one time he picked up a carried a pug was quite controversial in the community): http://www.jilloutside.com/2007/02/juneaus-pet-wolf.html

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    1. I forgot that you had written about this and shown those photos - I read about that incident in the book. Yes, based on reading the book, it did seem that the final act that ended his life happened because Romeo was curious and friendly toward his killers rather than wary. But, the book kept emphasizing how many risks he probably faced throughout his life (traps, wolf hunters, poisoned bait) but somehow knew enough not to be killed by them. Then, he made a bad judgement. The book said that he lived much longer than most wild wolves.

      I thought that he was an interesting case showing a genetic disposition to like people - which is how our domestic dogs eventually evolved.

      What a cool story even though the end made my heart hurt. Thanks for telling about your experience.

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  10. I keep telling Momma that I just Know Things when I don't want to go near neighbors on our walks.

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  11. KB I read and thoroughly enjoyed "A Wolf Called Romeo" by Nick Jans I think I recall. I used to subscribe to the Alaska Magazine. Which is where I discovered many wonderful articles by him. Romeo was an amazing Canine....he won my heart. As did those who were his advocates. Hachi is lucky to have you and Runner as his advocates.
    Hugs Cecilia

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  12. I hope the moving back and forth comes to an end soon, not only for Hachi but for your own sake too.

    Take care, stay well!

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  13. Hachi is a complicated little guy be we love seeing his zest for life!

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  14. Hopefully you'll be in Lab Valley full time and the stress of going back and forth won't be a trigger.

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  15. Hachi is proof that dogs sense a lot more than most people believe. Hopefully it won't be long before he can spend most, if not all, of his time in Lab Valley.

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  16. At least you know your end goal is staying in Lab Valley. He will keep learning with the moving until you are permanently in your new place.

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  17. We doggies can tell....Ma doesn't trust anyone I don't like 😉
    I am so happy that you have your own little Utopia, it really is beautiful
    Kisses,
    Ruby ♥

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  18. Gorgeous action photos. I'm glad they have a 'safe' place to race around like this.

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  19. Hachi is going to do so well once you get settled into the new place! ♥

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