In 1972 with kennel and residence just 40 miles southwest of Chicago and after three years of saving for a very special 'toy' the day came to pick it up. Friends drove my wife and I to the motorcycle dealer to begin a trip that would take us for the first time to The Great Smoky Mountains. Actually 565 miles later we arrived in Gatlinburg Tennessee (today we are just minutes from the kennel) this was an eye opener and I knew one day I'd relocate to east Tennessee. This would be my first trip over one-hundred miles on a bike and what until the BIG ADVENTURE was my longest trip. When we arrived at the shop there standing at the front entrance was a shinny new black BMW dressed for the road, like seeing a great Dobe for the first time, with out expecting a tail wag and kisses.
We wrote the check hardly paying any attention to the dealer telling us about how the bike works. Then right there we packed the bike, jumped on and were on our way. Our friends could not believe we were heading down South and did their best to change our minds. They had all seen "Easy Rider," bless their well meaning hearts. But we knew what we wanted. Actually they (our friends) thought we were nuts to even ride a motorcycle.
The trip was outstanding. We met so many interesting as well as friendly local folks and other travelers who at times also looked at us a bit strange as they stepped into their motor homes, and we roared off on our bike.
How old is too old? Are you too old to bring a great Dobe into your life? Maybe. But probably not since you took the time to check us out. Your age has little to do with being a great friend to a Dobe. More importantly how is your health? Otherwise just get the right Dobe.
How old is too old? I can't answer for you. But, on June 14, 1996 at 9:30 p.m. Alaskan time, Barry Hoytt and friends stepped off their motorcycles in front of a sign that proclaimed Arctic Circle Alaska. Four weeks and 11,164 miles later I was back home (my BMW not quite as shinny as when I left).
Note: Fourteen years later many of my client friends who ride simply call and if I can break away the only limit is based on how much time I can be away not what part of America are we heading to. So how old is too old...perhaps for me, when I need to add training wheels to my K1200LT.
In the late 60's we received a call from a Mrs. Helen Hatch seeking information on our Dobes. Not too long after that Mrs. Hatch and her daughter visited with us; Mrs. Hatch as it turned out was a personable 77 year old. It seems that she had always wanted a Dobe, but her late husband was a 'cat' man who did not want a dog in the house. Now that she was living with her unmarried daughter, who had just lost a little mix breed dog, Mrs. Hatch knew what to do. To get right to the point, the Hatch family acquired a two year old breeding stock female named Dena. We had presumed that if something happened to Mrs. Hatch, Dena would still have Ms. Hatch.
Following our move to Tennessee we received a call from Mrs. Hatch who was now 84 years old. She was worried; her daughter had passed away to cancer, and Dena was getting "old." Would we take Dena and find her a home if something happened to her (Mrs. Hatch)?
The above story is true, even the names were not changed but the ending is left for you to ponder. This, however, was not about an owner but a good Dobe who might one day wake to find itself alone with no one to understand its fears and needs. For all of you who acquire a Hoytt Dobe think about Dena as if this was your 'puppy.' If you believe you have the environment for an extra Dobe and would be willing to open your heart and home to a parentless Hoytt Dobe please let us know. There will be no charge to you for one of our Special Companions. We will have checked out the health and character of the Dobe Just let us know you are interested, one day we may just call ...
Special Companion: we have given our word to all who purchase a Hoytt Dobe that we will find their older Hoytt Dobe a home with someone we personally know if the owner has passed away or is forced to move to a restricted environment.Do remember we have previously owned Hoytt Dobes that we purchased from the owner, these are available to both established and first time buyers. If you are a bit confused by this variation do call and ask your questions.