My parents are suckers for strays and currently have two large dogs from the pound (Oregon Human Society).

“Mabel” and “Indigo” are both are beautiful and unusual beasts. The former is a brindled mutt – probably with Plott Hound and/or Blackmouth Cur origins. The latter is a Catahoula Leopard Dog. It is Indie that became the calendar girl, and was featured in a recent publication.

Catahoulas are a strange breed. Here are some snipits from Wikipedia:

Apearance

“As a working dog, Catahoulas have been bred more for temperament and ability than for appearance. As a result, the physical characteristics of the Catahoula are somewhat varied… According to Don Abney, an authority on the breed, the term “Leopard” refers to merles which may be blue, gray, black, white, liver, red, and patched. ”

Eyes

“The breed may have “cracked glass” or “marbled glass” eyes (heterochromia) and occurs when both colored and glass portions are present in the same eye. Cracked or marbled eyes are blue or blue-white in color. Catahoulas with two cracked or marble glass eyes are often referred to as having double glass eyes.”

Feet

“Though most dogs have webbing between the toes, Catahoulas’ feet have more prominent webbing which extends almost to the ends of the toes. This foot gives the Catahoula the ability to work marshy areas and gives them great swimming ability.”

Temperament

“Catahoulas are highly intelligent, energetic, have a high pain tolerance and are very quick, yet they are also very loving and gentle with children they know or have adopted, and their family (pack). One gains a much better insight into their social structure by first understanding the social structure of the wolves”