Hello, fellow dog lovers and RV enthusiasts! Today, we have the privilege of introducing you to a very special member of our family – Baron, one of our beloved Chinese Crested dogs.
Baron, now around 5 years old, came into our lives through a rather heart-wrenching journey. He was surrendered by a breeder and found himself in a shelter at just 2 years old. When we first met Baron, it was clear he hadn’t spent much time out of a cage. He was so skinny and had no muscle tone at all. He could barely stand or walk, let alone jump. He was guarded, never wagging his tail, and understandably wary of the world around him.
Given his rough start, we were determined to give him the chance to experience the love and care that every dog deserves. We felt an immediate connection with him and knew he belonged with us; adopting him has proven to be one of the best choices we’ve ever made.
Baron is a “hairy hairless” Chinese Crested, a unique variety of this already distinctive breed. Unlike the fully hairless Crested dogs, Baron has sparse hair on his body but sports adorable tufts of hair on his head and feet. He has a beautiful long mane and curly tail. His unique look often turns heads and sparks conversations.
His skin requires special care, as Cresteds are prone to more frequent skin irritations, allergies, and sunburn than a fully coated dog. In a future blog post, I will share more in-depth information on dealing with Cresteds’ skin issues.
Traveling with a Chinese Crested dog like Baron requires a bit of extra care and attention. We pay close attention to his skin care and ensure his time in the sun is limited to prevent sunburn. We have UV-protective clothes and cozy sweaters and coats for when it’s cold, but we rarely need them for him as he is very much an inside dog.
Maintaining a consistent diet and routine has been crucial in helping Baron feel more secure. We ensure his favorite treats and blankets are always within reach, providing him with a sense of familiarity and comfort no matter where we are.
Baron has slowly but surely embraced RV travel. He instantly goes to sleep in the truck on travel days and is a total snuggle bug on the couch and in bed every night. He has to be touching at least one of us. He’s gradually learning to trust people and enjoy his surroundings, although he definitely does not like us to be out of his sight.
Witnessing Baron’s progressive transformation has been incredibly rewarding and heartwarming. Although he still doesn’t wag his tail and remains guarded at times, Baron has come to understand that he is loved and has blossomed into a mostly happy, loving boy.
Baron’s journey from a neglected, guarded dog to a beloved family member has profoundly impacted our lives. His resilience and gradual embrace of joy and love have taught us to appreciate the small victories and to cherish every moment of our adventures together.
We feel incredibly fortunate to have Baron as part of our family. We look forward to one day seeing that tail wag. Every day, he reminds us of the power of love, patience, and the joy of second chances.
Happy RVing! 🚐🐾
The Nelson Family
