Our Dogs
Two rescued brothers, believed to be Carolina dogs with wolf lineage, call Cerrito Encantado home. They help keep wildlife away, they are friendly and well behaved, and they may howl, hunt, explore, or follow you around the property. They both love car rides, walks, and unseasoned ground beef or chicken. They also answer to a few extra names: chunky, chunkyface, and baby.
Meet the Dogs
Our rambunctious pup. He loves to take himself on walks into town or around the hill, and when he gets hot he will jump into the fountain or hop into a neighbor's plant watering tub to cool off. He is very vocal. When he wants your attention, he will bark at you until he gets what he wants.
Very calm and a lover of people to his soul. He would happily lay on you all day long. He will trap you by laying on your feet, and if you stop rubbing him he will make it known that was not okay, usually with a gentle nibble or a paw.
Remembering Morenita
Morena, aka Morenita, was our little old lady, though we always called her our baby girl. She was once fully brown, and in her older years white hairs started to frame her face. She loved being dirty. After every bath, which she hated, she would go roll in the dirt or sand. She was our number one protector, always barking at any possible danger, and she loved belly rubs. Her honey eyes could penetrate your soul. This little hill will always be hers.
Commands They Know
The dogs only speak Spanish. Say the command once and wait until they listen. Repeating it just teaches them to ignore you.
Sientate
Sit. Point your finger down toward your midsection.
Bajo
Lay down. Touch the ground as you say it.
Quedate
Stay. Hold your hand up in a stop position.
Afuera
Go outside. If they ever come inside the house, just yell afuera a few times and they'll listen.
Listo
The release word. It tells them they are free to go.
Beso
Whatsapp only. Make kissy lips and he will give you a kiss.
Daily Routine
Morning
Guests are welcome to let the dogs out in the morning. Just follow these steps:
- Wait until the sun is fully out. In winter that is around 8 or 9 am, in summer around 7:30 am.
- On a full moon, wait an extra hour. Tejones (coatis) stay out later on those nights.
- Let them out of the garage and wait until they sit.
- Unclip the chain from the collar and say "listo".
Evening
Our dogs know when it's bedtime. Here's how it goes:
- Around 4:30 or sunset, they make their way to the garage area and wait to be put to bed.
- If we don't come or we're not there, they'll come to your house, let you know it's bedtime, and kindly ask you to connect their chains.
- They know that if they're out too long, they might want to go roaming when the wildlife is too dangerous.
Fun Tidbits
- They love car rides. Open a door and they are ready to go.
- They howl when the gas guy comes. You can get them to howl too: give a deep, guttural howl and they will join in.
- They like to bring back gifts, such as dead garrobos, tejones, and large bones they find. Consider yourself warned.
- Critters sometimes hitch a ride in their fur, so always check yourself after a good cuddle.
- They take tick medicine, but a tick must stay attached for a few hours before it dies, possibly longer.
Walks
Their leashes hang from the garage gate. Our usual route: turn right on the primary road toward the Crucero de Juan Sanchez and go as far as the panteon. They love every step of it.
Fireworks
If there are fireworks, Facebook will always get loose and come inside your house. He just wants to be close to you. Let us know and we will come get him and put him in his safe place.
Treats
You are not required to feed the dogs, but if you choose to share food, do so away from outdoor tables. Give them meat or vegetables only, no cheese or avocado. Unseasoned ground beef or chicken is their favorite.
Important Rules
- The dogs are not allowed inside the casitas or bedrooms. They love dirt, and they will bring it with them.
- Please do not use the kitchen bowls to give them water.
- If you would like some space, we can secure the dogs near the carport. Just let us know.
- If they're being too much during the day, you always have the freedom to tie them up yourself. They'll follow you and be good boys.