Guest Blog Thursday - Interview Rebel Beauregard, the Biscuit-Coated Samoyed, Part 1

YEAH! Guest Blog Thursday - Interview Rebel Beauregard, the Biscuit-Coated Samoyed - or Rebel for short. Rebel is a pack member of one of my Daddy's friends, Kathy. He's a pretty cool fella as you're about to find out. Rebel gave a lot of information so this is only part one of the interview - part two will be next week -so make sure and tune in again! Also be sure to check out Rebel's Facebook page - he's so cool - you should all become fans. He has lots of interesting things to say.
The questions are in blue, followed by Rebels answers in grayish black. And, as usual - I'll make comments along the way - my comments are in red just to keep it easy for you ('cus I'm a red merle, get it?) :)
ENJOY!

Well, here goes...once you get a Samoyed talking, it's hard to shut one up. I'll type while Rebel tells me his story! (that's Kathy, Rebels Mom)

Full name, age (in human years) & Breed (as the human's identify us)? Do you have any nicknames (you know, the multitude of other names our people give us besides the main one)?

Name: Rebel Beauregard Smith
Age: 8.5 years old
Nicnames: Rebs, Reb, Rebski, Beau, Reb-Beau, Woozle, Woo, Wooz, Furry Man, Little Man (hey that last one is one of mine too! Cool, now I can say I'm like Rebel - that's just AWESOME!)

So tell us some of the specialness of your breed? qualities? traits? extra special fun stuff?

Breed stuff: Oh, we're big time "people" dogs. Actually, the name of our breed, Samoyed, is derived from my ancestors' people that they still live with Siberia, the Samoyede tribe. They're a Mongolian, nomadic people who live a simple existence in tee-pees, called "chooms". Some of the year, they live at the ocean (very close to the North Pole) and the rest of the year they're inland in a mountain region.

For that, they need dogs to help pull sledges (that would be my ancestors and current cousins there), and dogs to assist in herding the reindeer that are so critical for survival. That's where I get my herding instinct.

If you were to visit the Samoyede people, you would find each one of the tribe has their own dog, including the children. At night, all of the dogs go into the chooms with their people. The Samoyede would place their children to sleep amongst us dogs who so willingly keep them warm. Because of that, I've got a huge love for children. I know my job is to keep them safe. Sams are some of the best canine babysitters around!

Back in 1893, Fridtjof Nansen took a bunch of Sammies across the North Pole in his expedition. Kaifas and Suggen lead the way as his lead dogs.

Then in 1911, Roald Amundsen visited the Samoyede tribe and took a few of us dogs with him to explore the South Pole. Etah, the Samoyed lead dog was the first non-native mammal to cross the South Pole.

Like my cousins today, we are exactly as those history making dogs were. Mom has told me the story of "Antarctic Buck", who is pretty much the Granddaddy of us all Samoyeds today. The Samoyed dog is considered one of the "14 Ancient Breeds" and has pretty much remained unchanged from their origin. After the expeditions made us famous, we've lived with royalty (the Czar of Russia), been in books (Stone Fox) and now in movies (Sandra Bullock's "The Proposal").

Although we're famous (and unbelievably cute), we're not the easiest dogs to live with. Mom reminds me just how stubborn and head-strong I am. I can't help it. I am very much like you, Brisco, one of the smarter dog breeds out there. Mom says its because you want a dog who is pulling the sled to think for himself and take evasive action if you encounter a polar bear on the trail. You don't want 8 dogs or more turning back to look at the human to ask for directions at a moment like that.

I do like to please my Mom, but if I have a better idea at the time, I'll do that first or instead of what she asks. Samoyeds aren't like Labradors who will give you exactly what you ask, when you ask. I like to think of it as improving Mom's ideas with a Samoyed spin. (I like that, I'll have to remember it and I'll pass it along to Gus because he has his own ideas ALL the time. But pleasing Momma is one of the bestest things ever)

Unfortunately, that way of thinking and our drive to be with people 24/7 (Mom refers to it being underfoot) drove me out of my first home. As a puppy, I was in a home with a family, but the kids tired of me and they put me in the backyard. I hated it. I barked and cried, until the Dad took me to an all-breed rescue because "the neighbors complained". (Momma is always tellin' me that people are stupid - that just proves it - well not my people but those people. I'm happy you're with good people now)

So, if anyone who is reading this is considering a cute puppy because of the movie they just saw...PLEASE know what the breed of dog is like...and know yourself and what you're willing to commit to. Samoyeds aren't a breed of dog for the inexperienced dog owner. We need a strong, patient and experienced owner to live with. We're also a breed that needs a lot of work, as we're a working breed to stay happy. But then again, you know all about that, don't you, Brisco? *wink* (that's true, 'cus we're the same way - Momma & Daddy say the same thing - know what you're getting into - cus me & Gus are "a handful a piece" Momma says. Rebel, you sure are smart to know all this)

What is your most favorite toy? (you can list more than one as I have several favorites)

Toy: I have several favorite toys, including "Fuzzy Bunny". Mom brought Fuzzy Bunny to the Samoyed Rescue the day she met me, so it always has a special place in my heart. But, I also like sheep and kids as play toys as well. It's more fun to have your toys play back with you.

Your most favorite thing to do? (same as above - more than one is fine)

Favorite thing to do: Hmm, that's a tough call. I really love playing with kids and herding sheep, but doing Rally Obedience and going pack hiking rate right up there as well.

Your most favorite treat/food/snack? (again one just doesn't cover it sometimes and that's ok)

Favorite treat: Oh, that's an easy one. It's the carrots my Grandma brings me to eat every day. They're sweet and oh so good for my figure! (Carrots are yummy but they upset my tummy so I don't get them anymore - Mommy and Daddy say it's no fun cleaning my pants after I eat a carrot - I'm glad they work for you)



See I told you Rebel was cool! Oops it's me Brisco, again. Next week we'll have more of Rebel's interview answers so come back. Feel free to leave responses or questions here and I'll make sure to pass them along to Rebel. Also don't forget to visit Rebel's Facebook page - just search under his name, Rebel Beauregard, the Biscuit-Coated Samoyed or go to Momma's or Daddy's Facebook because they are both fans of Rebel.
Life sure is fun!