Whenever I imagine Raebert or see dogs like the Westminster winner, I can only picture this, with the dog running at a thousand miles an hour, right at me. Stunning. I had a similar experience with a Great Dane on our campus (I was watching him for a friend), but they're just a bit more goofy and clumsy.

Congrats to the most noble of breeds.

Though I won't until several of my animals have passed to the Great Hearth And Fields In The Sky, I've wanted a Scottish Deerhound for a long time, and an Irish Wolfhound for even longer (having met some first). Whichever I end up with first, if it is male I will name him Rex Tremendae. Because I am a musician with an obscure and geektastic sense of humor.

In any case, I know exactly what you mean about the hug.

I heard that on the news this morning and you (and your hound) were the first thing that came to my mind. I knew you would have to post it.