July 14, 2005

Pet of the Week

Alisha Teneja, 11, shakes hands with her special dog Kemo every time they meet.

Kemo

My dog Kemo is not just any ordinary dog. He is my little buddy.

Kemo is half German shepherd and half chow. He is a cute, middle-sized dog with golden fur and bright eyes. He is 6 years old and we got him from the Humane Society. Kemo is so calm and adorable that he wins everyone’s heart! Kemo is quite disciplined and good around other dogs he passes by.

When I train Kemo I am firm but kind. It is not too difficult to discipline Kemo because he behaves well and is very intelligent. He is very active and loves to play games with me. I am so blessed to have a dog like Kemo. He accompanies me almost everywhere I go. When I come back and see him, we shake each other’s hands. I love this feeling because it makes me think that he is very close to me and understands me. Anytime I come, he wags his tail and sits down to be polite. Kemo makes me feel very happy by showing how excited he is to see me.

Sometimes my mom, aunt and I go for long, adventurous hikes together with Kemo, and he always makes sure we are safe. We feel comfortable and protected with him around. When all of us are on an unknown trail, he leads us to the other side when he believes there is danger ahead.

Of course, when he shows good behavior around other people, he earns treats. Kemo appreciates getting treats and he saves them to eat at the right time. When I am leaving, he runs to the gate of the side yard to say a final good bye. When I am not around, my mom says Kemo feels lonely and unhappy. I love Kemo because he offers me unconditional love. It is amazing, but I feel that he always cares and stands by me. He reminds me to have a smile on my face everyday and to be active by going for walks.

Kemo does not bite and he barely jumps on anyone. I always wished for a dog that would stand up for me, and be sweet and obedient and Kemo fulfilled my dream! Kemo brightens even my most terrible days.
If I could describe Kemo in two words, I would simply say he’s the perfect dog.

—By Alisha Taneja

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