Introduction  

Who Is the Author? Who Is Chou Chou? 

I am a psychologist in Sacramento, CA. Until recently, I was a professor at California State University, teaching courses in child and adolescent development, psycholinguistics, and psychological issues in films, among many others. Since 1994, I have been running a research project to study rekindled romances: couples who reunited after being apart for many years. 

And I have a dog who keeps me busy and brings me joy. Chou Chou is a beautiful briard, a French herding dog. They require an extensive commitment of time for their grooming, exercise, and socialization needs, as you will read about on this blog, so they are not common. When we go out walking, people stop me to ask about her. "What kind of dog is that?" Many people guess: A labradoodle? A wheaten terrier? An old English sheepdog? A bearded collie? A bouvier?

About Briards

                                                                

Breed Information

published by the Briard Club of America

The Briard, or Chien Berger de Brie, is an ancient working breed of France whose origin dates back to the eighth century. Early tapestries depict these large shaggy dogs with the Emperor Charlemagne, and Napoleon was also reported to have kept Briards. The Briard has been used since early times as a guardian of the flocks and a herding dog. 

Chou Chou Needs Your Vote!

Chou Chou has been entered in a photo contest! She needs your vote!

Unexpected Practice

The next steps in becoming certified as a therapy dog are not for a couple of months. But very unexpectedly, Chou Chou was called to service in a nursing/rehab center.

The New Adventure Begins

Chou Chou and I are starting the process of getting certified for animal-assisted therapy. I've wrtten about my library (shadow) visit. But tonight was the first time Chou would meet with everyone from Lend A Heart, and I wasn't sure if she'd lie down quietly with other dogs nearby. 

Never Underestimate a Briard

Chou Chou went out with her dog walker this morning. Because of Chou's upset stomach, the veterinary instructions were "no treats and no eating grass." They came back early.

Chou Chou Likes to Eat

When Chou was 6 months old, I bought her new food bowls. She sneaked up to the bowls, a little afraid. But not for long! She loves her kibble. Unfortunately, she eats other things, too...