Il Duce von der Schädelzmatt
My name is Il Duce von der Schädelzmatt.
I was born on May 8th 2006 at Zuchstätte von der Schädelzmatt in Lommiswil, SO, Switzerland. I am the last son born to my mother, Reika vom Chöpfli and my father, Zeno vom Glichenberg
I was nearly two pounds (700 grams) when I was born and I've heard that it's an extraordinary birth weight for an Entlebucher puppy.
I was nurtured in Lommiswil by Franziska and Seline Hofer, my mother Reika, Gerrit von Garstnaeck, Aida v.d. Entlebucher Bodenmatt, and my sister Iaki. Phew! It was a household of females and they taught me well. I am exceedingly social and (so I'm told) quite sweet and affectionate for a boy.
On the other hand, being the only boy, I am used to playing the part of the 'Prince' and getting my own way. I learned to use my 'male-ness' very early on in life and I have to admit that I can be downright stubborn. My personality was apparent early on and the name I was given rightly illustrates my character. I am the 'Leader' or, if you will, the 'Chief' or the 'Duke'.
I traveled on a big Swiss International airliner to California when I was nine weeks old. I was already too large to be accepted for travel in the cabin of the aircraft. I was banished to the cargo compartment but I got to travel in the very back of the airplane just beneath the tail emblem of the Swiss flag. How appropriate! I had friends watch over me both at Kloten Airport in Zurich and at LAX Airport in California. I definitely received VIP treatment - on two continents!
I am growing up in Southern California, three blocks away from the Sunset Strip. My home, in the heart of West Hollywood, is very far and very different from the farm where I was born. When I was very young I played in the fields and shared my days with friends who included the goats, the pigs, and the cows. Nowadays I play with my dog friends surrounded by the million dollar mansions of Beverly Hills and my route to the local grocery store takes me past the outdoor cafes and trendy clubs along Sunset Boulevard. I like to go to the beach as often as possible where I am learning to navigate the ocean waves. Jumping and playing in the ocean surf has become one my favorite activities. I also enjoy all the parks and hiking in the mountains above the city. There is still a lot of open and undeveloped land around town which is home to deer, coyotes, rattlesnakes, and even mountain lions. I don't know what all these creatures are yet so I need to be cautious when we hike. Not everyone in the hills, I've been told, wants to be my friend!
What I still don't care for, and have not yet accepted, is all the sunshine. I don't like the sun and the heat at all ! My aversion to the sun and to the heat can make going on some excursions complicated. I have been known to complain and whine bitterly when the thermometer rises and my overwhelming goal is to head for the shade. No one can relax and enjoy the sights since my wish to escape from the sun always involves a lot of coaxing, leash pulling, and (yes!) combat. I do not yet know what it is to experience a rainy day or to stay indoors because of unpleasant weather. I guess this is what's known as the 'California Lifestyle'.
I look forward to many adventures and we have set up a Blog to chronicle my exploits, accomplishments, and my development. I hope you will visit my Blog often to catch up on the latest news and to share my escapades. There is so much to see and do and I am excited by so many possibilities!
