If you’ve been to a pet-friendly event in the past year or so, you’ve probably met Charlton. Nicknamed the “Big Blue Dude,” Charlton is hard to miss – and with a great personality to match, it’s always fun meeting up with one of Richmond’s most famous Great Danes.
I will start our story with the first time we loved our Big Blue Dude… hmmm it’s hard to choose… We decided we were ready for a Great Dane after years of hoping so we started searching and visiting various litters in the state.
We had a favorite name we wanted to use and were just waiting to find young Charlton.
His mother and father were our choices well before he was born (or even conceived) and then waited… and waited. Finally, we got the call that he was born we could barely wait to see him! Each day was like the day before a holiday; we could hardly contain ourselves and pestered the breeder constantly.
India and Charlton (at 9 months)
Eventually the pups became old enough and we visited the breeder so we could choose. We narrowed down our choices by doing temperament testing with aesthetics being a minor factor for us. We knew we might pick the least attractive as long as the temperament was a good fit. Fortunately, Charlton is turning into one of the most handsome and well behaved dogs around and is beginning to be known as an ambassador for his breed.
Ultimately it turns out we chose each other that day! Charlton snuggled Shirley so sweetly looking up to her for guidance and when I asked him if he wanted to come home with us he winked at me. He still winks at me every night when I tuck him in and our lives have changed in the most awesome way. Now all our plans seem to start with… what are we doing with Charlton today?
BARK back Richmond! Introduce yourselves to Charlton and the crew. If you are interested in learning more about Great Danes, consider attending the monthly Dane Day at the Park to meet some of Richmond’s biggest dogs!
Nominate a fellow Pet Lover for an upcoming Meet a Richmond Pet Lover feature by leaving a comment or sending me an email (sarah@richmondpetlovers.com).
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
He is really a cute one. The puppy pic looks as if he’s saying: Trying to avoid these blue eyes?
OMG, he is awesome! I so love Danes. We had a massive black one names Schwartz when I was growing up. He was the kindest, gentlest giant. He loved playing with our dachshund and never harmed a hair on him.
He was also a total couch potato and would flop on top of you if you were on the couch before him. We never could convince him he was too big to be a lap dog.
Thanks for bringing back such wonderful memories.
Schwartz sounds like a cool dog, Laura. I’ll admit to having a soft spot for big dogs…there is just something about a 100lb+ lap dog!
I think the caption on this picture was “you know you want me.”
We know Charlton and his humans, India and Shirley! Jon Farleigh and Dewi were lucky enough to be in S.T.A.R. Puppy class at Richmond Dog Obedience Club when India and Shirley were helpers.
We never saw Charlton when he was that little; didn’t know it was possible! What a cutie. Hi, guys!
Ah, Charlton. He is the apple of my Dane Chloe’s eye right now. They are both adorable when they see each other. Charlton is also pretty special because he’s family. We recently became parent’s to his cousin, Argos! We’re all fond of the Mammas too. Great choice for this month’s blog!