Most adoring pet lovers would do anything for their cherished companions, but could they speak for their furry or feathered or finned friends and tell us what they are thinking? To find out, we’re putting pet owners to the test with the personality questionnaire made famous by French novelist Marcel Proust.
Meet Melissa Grelo and Sultan.
If you’ve ever judged a book by its cover, chances are you’ve done the same with a Doberman pinscher. But don’t let their characteristic steely stare and daunting presence fool you. “They’re one of the best family dogs you could choose,” according to Grelo, co-host of CTV’s Your Morning and The Social. Judging by Sultan’s close bond with Grelo’s 2-year-old daughter, Marquesa, she’s right. “He adores her and we’ve never had any worries at all,” Grelo says.
While she also cautions, “Dobermans are not starter dogs,” for those considering adopting one, Grelo says a lot of training, attention and exercise are key to keeping them calm, fit and happy.
Surprisingly for a large dog, Sultan is a very picky eater. His vet-grade dry food is decidedly lacking in flavour, so Grelo finds a little gravy or sauce goes a long way. Failing that, Sultan is always game for some freshly grated Parmesan to liven up his kibble.
Sadly, Sultan was recently diagnosed with late-stage DCM (dilated cardiomyopathy) a condition common among the Doberman breed, and the one that will ultimately be the cause of his demise. Grelo says she considers her family very lucky to have had nine wonderful years with “such a majestic and wonderful dog,” and is now enjoying each day with him as it comes.
What is Sultan’s idea of perfect happiness?
Cuddling — preferably on mummy and daddy’s bed, literally squeezed in between us and with his own pillow. He is such a diva.
What is the quality Sultan most likes in a woman?
An unscented woman is his favourite. He’s very sensitive to the smell of lotions, perfumes and hairspray, so when he’s exposed to them it eventually leads to an absolute sneezing fit.
What quality does Sultan most like in a man?
He likes the “alpha” quality in a man. Dobermans are very hierarchical and they understand a pecking order, so what puts a dog like him at ease is knowing he doesn’t have to fight to be alpha in the room.
Which living person does Sultan most admire?
Sultan is obsessed with Ryan (Grelo’s husband). Sometimes they play hide-and-go-seek and Ryan will hide and then jump out and scare the hell out of him, and Sultan loves every second of it.
What is Sultan’s greatest fear?
To be left alone and in the dark. Dobermans are very social dogs, and they need physical touch. Being left alone creates incredible separation anxiety for him.
Which talent would Sultan most like to have?
I think he would like to be invisible because the aforementioned anxiety he gets whenever he’s left alone. So, an invisibility switch would allow him to come with us wherever we go.
Where and when was Sultan happiest?
He loves my daughter, however, he was happiest before she got here because he was the only baby (he was four months old when we adopted him). And at the time, he was still allowed on couches and beds, which immediately stopped when we brought the baby home.
Who is Sultan’s hero of fiction?
Batman. Sultan has a jacket with a very prominent collar and his silhouette at night looks like Batman. And by night he’s quiet, misunderstood and just wants to do good, but the people thinks he’s bad. That’s the life of a Doberman — and it’s Batman!
What is Sultan’s motto?
To coin a great song, “Lean on me when you’re not strong.” He wants you to know he’s always there for you.
If you think you know what your animal companion is thinking, email petpsyche@gmail.com and tell us why they should be profiled.
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