Snowball is a "standard" American Eskimo. He comes from the kennels of champion breeder Theresa Wright, of Kalamazoo, MI. He was born on April 15th (1996). I considered naming him "Rebate" or "Audit" but fortunately, my wife brought me to my senses. He looked like a little snowball and that name stuck.
You can visit Theresa's site at: Wright's Eskies
Snowball is the son of champion American Eskimos Obe-One and Charisma (both belonging to Theresa Wright). We were hoping Snowball would look like his dad, the most stately and noble Eskie we've ever seen. However, Snowball grew up to look like his Mom, pretty and dainty. Most of the people who see him on the street think he's a girl. Fortunately, he doesn't care so long as he gets a chance to lick them on the face. He is excellent with children and adults alike.
It is a Chinchilla, native to the mountains of South America. Their fur is one of the most highly prized for making fur garments. Our "Chin" is named, Dino. I like to think that this is paying homage to Dean Martin, the singer/actor, but in truth his namesake is that purple dinosaur from the Flinstones. How you get from a dinosaur to a 8oz bouncing rodent, I don't know. Chincilla's are surprisingly intelligent-- we've taught Dino the names of his toys, and he will hug the appropriate one on command.
This was taken in August just below the Indian Peaks in Colorado. The pass elevation is 12,500ft, but the pictured lake (upper most in a chain) is around 11,500ft.
Unauthorized photos of me, hard at work on unnamed vehicles at an unnamed company.
Email me at bfeng@ibm.net in the meantime.
Please come back soon and visit me.