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“C

ave Canem” reads the plaque outside Jean and David White’s front door. “In Latin, it means ‘beware the dog,’” says Jean, but visitors needn’t worry.

The Whites’ Golden Retriever, Harker, to whom the sign refers, would rather lick strangers. Or hold their wrists in his mouth. Or nibble on their shirt or scarf. Maybe even run away with them. For extending everyone a friendly welcome, even if it involves the occasional torn shirt, TownDock.net celebrates Harker as Mr October 2010.

Harker enjoying a moment of repose.

Welcome Friends!: Mittens the cat showing how the “Cave Canem” sign should be interpreted.

Born in Oakridge, North Carolina, Harker came into Jean and David’s life at age 7 weeks. Seven years later, 5 in Raleigh and 2 in Oriental, Harker’s social strengths – especially in the meeting and greeting department – haven’t faded. “He’d rather be with people than with dogs” says David.

Harker, just weeks old, puzzling out how he can get a little human attention. (Jean and David White photo)

It appears to come with the breed.

Over the years, Jean and David have had several Golden Retrievers – all friendly, all with geographically nautical names like Beaufort and Chesapeake. Now it’s Harker who carries on the tradition of friendship, even if that comes with a twist. He has to be closely watched should he trot off with a complete stranger – which has happened.

“One day we got a call from a neighbor a few blocks down the street” recalls Jean. “She said ‘I have your dog’”. Seems earlier in the day, a delivery person had dropped off a package. While the door was open, a jogger trotted past. Unseen, Harker fell in behind the runner, spring in his step, cheer in his ears, and accompanied her home.

A quick phone call re-united Harker with his human mom and dad – whom he was overjoyed to see.

Jean thinks this drive to be with people explains the way Harker greets visitors. “He wants you to be proud of him and he thinks it’s by holding something.” If it’s not a visitor’s hand, it’s the neighbor’s gardening glove. Or a duck chew toy. Or, best of all, a soccer ball, deflated to make it easier to grip.

Harker hoping to hold something in his mouth – this time a soccer ball

So what does Harker enjoy when he’s not visiting?

“Eating,” says David. Followed closely by walks around the neighborhood and visiting “Bailey”, Rich and Dale Lothrop’s Golden Retriever. Another favorite is running back and forth between Jean and David as they toss that deflated soccer ball between them in their front yard. When he’s tired of playing ball, just to extend the human interaction, he enjoys having his belly scratched.

Aaaahhhh……!

Then there’s the water thing.

Golden Retrievers were bred to fetch downed waterfowl. Instead of hunkering down in a duck blind, though, Harker prefers the cockpit of Jean and David’s Caliber 38 sailboat. A favorite jaunt is following Adams Creek to the ocean, where Jean says his favorite activity is “sitting in the cockpit watching Beaufort.” When there’s less time for exploring, a run up Whitaker Creek in the family Boston Whaler suits Harker fine.

Going sailing.(Jean and David White photo)

Jean says this pattern of meet and greet, punctuated with walks, meals, naps and boat rides, creates the “cadence” that paces the White’s lives. “Harker gives our life a wonderful rhythm as we go through the rituals of each day with him,” she says. Mornings, his tail thumping on the floor signals it’s time to kick off the day. Next comes “feeding, walking, playing ball, brushing, petting, feeding again, taking him to the park and harbor area,” says Jean. After watching TV — with Harker on the couch — it’s time for a last quick romp outside “before we all retire.”

Retired

There is a saying that “There is comfort in the familiar.” “Harker” Jean says, “gives our lives huge doses of familiar and hence comfort as we go about our days, and subsequently, huge doses of joy and laughter.” Which is just the way Jean and David like it. Even, if upon occasion, that means fielding a call from a passerby who Harker has befriended and followed home. Or tracking down a glove’s owner.

For that new twist on “Cave Canem”, we salute Harker as Mister October.

Harker’s Bio

Celebrity Pet Resembles Most: Owen Wilson
Favorite Pig Latin Quote: eizeSay ethay edbay (Seize the Bed)
Dislikes: motorcycles
Favorite Sailboat: Caliber 38 (it sports dog-friendly boarding stairs)
Favorite cruising ground: Anywhere on Whittaker Creek
Best friend: “Bailey”, Rich and Dale Lothrop’s Golden Retriever

Know a pet that is a standout? Send in some details and a photo to info@towndock.net. Tell why that pet deserves the coveted TownDock.net Pet of the Month Prize Package --- accolades, a pat on the head (snakes excluded) and a box of Milk Bones ( or snack suitable for the species). We regret that we cannot offer a college scholarship to Pet Of The Month winners. Animals caught near the HarborCam attempting to suck up to the judges will be disqualified.