My protector

My guard dog....

Doesn't he look terrifying??

Samson has developed a reputation (unknown to him) of being an extremely intimidating dog.  So much so that almost everyone we encounter in my community runs away from/steps back onto their porch/crosses the street when we are out walking.  Kids are their terrified of him, or yell from the sidewalk, "can you make Samson speak?"

Adults are even worse.  There are so adults that will wait at their front door until we pass before they come out to their cars.  In fact, I can count 3 people in the community as a whole who have actually interacted with Samson and know what a big baby he is.

It has come in handy in my neighborhood, especially when I have been living alone, that he is so scary.  It's usually dark out in the mornings when I walk him, so it's nice to have the reassurance.  Even though I know he is a big furry baby.... doesn't mean everyone else does.  In fact, there have been people (men mostly) that have made comments to me in passing about "having protection" or "not having to worry about anyone bugging me with him around".  It does make me feel safer.

But it still is hard to imagine.  I know a lot of people compare huskies to wolves, but honestly....  does he look intimidating?

All I see is a big squishy dog who likes his belly scratched and is tickled when you touch his paws.

I write this post now because this morning on our walk, Samson did what he does best.... acted scary.

We were walking our typical routine and there was a guy walking to his car in his workout gear.  We said good morning to each other, but Samson was a high alert.  He stopped in the grass to watch him approach us and then got his best bark on.  I couldn't help but laugh because really... how do you take a dog seriously that does the pounce-bark and tries to be scary. 

Thankfully, the guy just smiled at me and said "guess he's doing his job, huh?"

Man, I love that dog.