When we got up this morning, Sam (that’s the dog) said he’d like to wander the neighborhood to see the pipe. So we did. One of the construction workers, noting what a handsome boy Sam is, asked if he is an Irish Wolfhound. The answer is no. He is a German Wirehaired Pointer. But the real point of telling you about that little exchange? Well, judging from the guy’s accent, he is yet another worker who is not from Michigan.
Stay on them, Sam. He can smell them.
Not to miss the real point, but … Sam sure looks like a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon. He’s definitely a pointer?
Ha, Elizabeth! The two breeds are virtually indistinguishable. But we’re pretty certain he’s GWP (he’s a rescue, though). Do you have a Griffon?
Hey Jeff, actually the breeds are pretty different ;). We have a Wirehaired Pointing Griffon mix (he’s half WPG, half Golden Retreiver) and weirdly have done lots of research on these dogs. We are radio journalists who for fun did a story on our dog back in his puppy days — we were told he was a Golden/Lab mix, but then that beard showed up, and we got suspicious. So we did DNA testing and found out that dad wasn’t who he was cracked up to be. Anyway, your beautiful Sam sure looks like a Griff to me, and depending on where you are at in Michigan there are some running around here (as we found out … our dog’s purebred dad roams the woods near Plainwell, and there’s a breeder west of Kzoo).
What a lucky family and dog! He didn’t happen to lift his leg on that pipe, did he? 🙂
I’d answer your question about the leg-lift, Elizabeth, but I’m afraid Enbridge might send their security people after us…
I’ve done some research myself on GWPs and Griffs, though probably not as much as you. Mostly, I’ve looked at a disturbing number of pictures of GWPs and gotten to know lots of owners (on FB, etc). Based on those experiences, common traits, and behaviors– I’ve seen several GWPs that seem to be Sam’s identical twin– the jury seems to be pretty much out. Not that it matters ultimately. He’s an awesome dog and we are indeed lucky. I’d love to see a pic of your boy!
Btw, I’m very much interested in your documentary work; how fascinating! As I’ve said before, all of the interesting (and good) people we’ve met doing this has almost made the Enbridge-adminstered pain and drama worth it.
But where is the Enbridge pipeline doc?! Do you do much environment-related stuff?
Jeff, how can I reach you offline? I don’t see a contact email on the site …