Willow was just eight weeks old when she came to us, but her story begins millenniums ago …
Introduction
I am Willow.
I don’t know how I know I come from the ancient ones. I just know.
Our breed has existed in the wild for thousands of years. It is said that early on, we were domesticated from wolves. We also thrived apart from Human interaction for even longer. As time progressed, we migrated into this area across the Bering Land Bridge alongside our human companions, eventually reaching my home area in the forest and lowlands along the Savannah River.
Our breed slowly adapted to living back in the wild, isolated in swamps and forests.
Some have labeled us “American Dingos” for our similar appearance and habits to the Australian Dingo. We have been dubbed as one of the handful of Pariah Dogs, but I am proud of my Carolina Dog heritage.
Though we have survived in the wilderness for ages, our breed has only recently become known as Carolina Dogs. That is a story for another time.
My mother is strong and courageous as were her ancestors. Because of her willingness to interact once again with humans to save me and my siblings from certain death, she will always be my hero. I will tell her story soon. I hope my own story will make her proud of me.
We Carolina Dogs are known as “Sight Hounds”.
Our Creator has given us a unique appearance and functional physical abilities for survival, hunting, and pack signals. As I grow, my large ears will begin to stand straight and tall and move independently for distance and directional cueing. My tail will develop a fishhook curl at the end to signal my pack. My eyes will be large and almond-shaped for precise hunting of prey, and my snout will become more fox-like for getting into narrow holes.
My breed is pack-oriented, fiercely loyal, protective, and careful with our trust. Those of us who have been domesticated include our humans in our pack's inner circle.
As I grow, I am excited to work with my humans to share my adventures in these Willow Tales …
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She's adorable, as you two are. Thank you for making a home for her. Looking forward to reading more about Ms. Willow!
what a beautiful pup! please give her a pat from me.