Our First Live AHT Experience
After making arrangements with a breeder via email, we set out to make an intrastate journey across Florida to meet our first American Hairless Terrier. This, in our minds, was likely to be our last shot at having a dog. Remember, we had already experienced failure with the Xolo and Chinese Crested (not to mention multiple attempts with the other supposedly "hypo-allergenic" breeds, the silky-haired breeds, etc).
Per the breeder's suggestion, we had decided to do a preliminary test on the evening of our arrival. This, if successful, would then be followed by another more prolonged exposure the following day. We were given directions to a video store near the breeder's home. We worried that the children might be too tired, but agreed that we'd call upon arrival if we thought they were up to it. The plan of having a "non-contaminated dog" in a neutral/sterile environment had already been discussed and agreed upon (see Visit Tips).
We set out anxious and excited. The kids were amazingly
cooperative and, upon being told that they might be able to see a dog immediately upon
arrival (given they weren't too tired), we were amazed when they promptly fell asleep,
remaining so for the majority of the almost 300 mile trip across Florida's southern
regions.
The children had done marvelously and the drive had flown by, so upon reaching the
breeder's hometown, we decided to go ahead with the plan. Corbyn, just shy of her 11th
birthday, had insisted on making the trip in the hopes that the family would return with a
puppy or, at a minimum, with the promise of obtaining one. She blamed herself for the
family not having a dog...after all, she had the allergies. Aaron, almost 6, was
thrilled...and hopeful. We were hoping for the best, but understood, after the previous
attempts, that we couldn't promise too much.
When we arrived at the local video store, the breeder was
waiting inside. The dog that he had brought along for our first intro to the AHT was
amazing...but not in a good way. Our first, live AHT experience was with a
crippled/deformed dog...who, by the breeder's own admission, "...got all the bad
things, grade four patella luxation that caused developmental abnormalities, severely
undershot jaw, bowed front legs and a bad temper (not temperament, temper!)." I still
have a hard time understanding how a "knowledgeable" breeder, in good
conscience, would choose such a dog to introduce to a family with young children
(especially a family never before exposed to an AHT), but some things defy
explanation...we certainly weren't given a valid one.
Not only were the children taken aback upon seeing this dog skittering around the video
store, but they were also afraid after it made numerous attempts to nip their fingers as
they attempted to pet it (per the breeder's instructions). The poor dog was much more
interested in the popcorn behind the video sales counter than in being a "test
subject". Unfortunately, the dog's desire to be away from the children combined with
its poor behavior when brought near, made testing Corbyn's sensitivity to the AHT
difficult, if not impossible.
It was at this point, nearing midnight, that the breeder insisted upon driving home to
wash and retrieve another dog, one of his prized males, for our "test". We
agreed to wait and were surprised when the breeder was back within 5 minutes(???). Karyn
had noted the time on her watch and wondered how it was possible for the breeder to have
gone home, bathed the dog and returned in such short order. As we quickly came to find
out, he hadn't...he later, after Corbyn began to have a severe allergic reaction, admitted
to having simply wiped the dog down with a towel in a quick, albeit futile attempt to
remove the allergens. Note: the breeder has numerous dogs, coated
and hairless, at his residence which is why bathing and exposure in a neutral environment
had been discussed.
To the breeder's credit, the second male was a beautiful dog...physically. Its
personality/behavior on the night in question, however, was less than desirable. He
continually urinated/sprayed as he walked nervously about the store. He was not
marking, rather he appeared extremely uncomfortable in this strange environment (which was
quite understandable), and was, apparently, even more uncomfortable
with having four strangers reaching out for him (also completely understandable given the
situation).
There was really no need to ask Corbyn if she
was having a reaction...it was evident in her face, her breathing, and the puffiness
around her eyes. Corbyn had gotten close to the second dog while the breeder held him. The
reaction was both immediate and severe and, as a matter of fact, did not clear up
completely (even with appropriate treatment with antihistamines) until a couple of days
later (which corresponds with her medical history subsequent to severe reactions). We were
initially puzzled by the strength of this reaction, but later, came to
the conclusion that not only was it likely that the second dog was covered in allergens
from other dogs, coated and non-coated, but his spraying in the store could have
contributed to the reaction (remember, allergenic proteins are also found in the urine of
our pets).
Oh well, overall...a long story...but a few lessons to be learned
(for more info, see
Visit Tips):
- always make arrangements ahead of time
- try to find a place where both the family and the dog can be
comfortable
- have the dog pre-bathed prior to the visit
- choose a "test" animal suitable to the situation at hand
- be prepared, on both sides, for possible disappointment
We all know that no matter how well-prepared you are, things may not work out, and the
disappointment of a child when losing out on the prospect of attaining a puppy can be
heartbreaking.
Parting Notes: We tried to make the best of things on our trip, and although a second visit that weekend was not going to be possible (due to Corbyn's reaction), we made a weekend out of it and spent some quality time at the beach with the kids.
