Valin was a guard dog that used to live at the corner near my home. He didn't have a family, but was looked after by the guard at the corner, and a few neighbours in the area that would leave food out for him. I met Valin a year ago, and I always thought him to be a bit of a cranky dog. Didn't matter. I fell in love with him and his crabby face anyhow. Binky and I would walk by the corner every single morning and stop to greet Valin and try to get him to warm up to us. I could always tell that he liked the attention, and occasionally he'd even rub up against me, but for the most part, Valin didn't like being pet or touched. He's let you know this by letting out a little snarl. That was enough to keep my hand away, at least until the next time I saw him again.
Valin was sort of the pack leader amongst the street dogs around here. He had several friends, and was very protective over the neighbourhood dogs, especially with my poodle. He would never let a strange dog get close to my poodle. I always thought that was cute.
Valin also liked to chase the guard around on his bike. The guard was his best friend, and they had aparrently known each other for 7 years.
Sadly, Valin got hit by a vehicle a few weeks ago and died, right under the tree where he used to nap. I really miss him and the street corner isn't the same without him. Sometimes I still see him, sitting at the corner, doing what he did best; guard the neighbourhood.
Luckily I had this photo saved in my computer and printed a copy for the guard to keep.
My last memory of Valin is actually a really sweet one. I feel that I had successfully won over his crabby little heart. During the three last days before his passing, Valin had warmed up to me so much so that he came up to me and licked my nose! And he did this 3 days in a row. I'll never forget that.
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